Opportunistic kayakers can right now paddle a lake that, in the coming months, will be no more than a memory. Two excessive rainfall events in the past year have created a temporary lake in what is usually the driest place in the United States, and the National Park Service is encouraging visitors to explore. Badwater Basin, which is also the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level, lies at the bottom of Death Valley National Park. The accumulated water flowing through it has been given the name Lake Manly.
The fleeting Lake Manly runs six miles long, three miles wide, and only 12 inches deep. Badwater Basin is usually a dry salt flat, and one foot of water is more than enough for visitors to paddle this wonder while they can.
Lake Manly was initially formed last August after Hurricane Hilary dumped massive rainfall amounts on the area. Unfortunately, that same storm caused significant damage to the park's road system, which prevented the temporary lake from being accessible to visitors. The lake dwindled throughout the autumn and winter, before a recent deluge of heavy rains across California, which knocked out power to nearly 850,000 people, filled it back up. This time, the roads are open and visitors are welcome at the park.
Getty, DG Hayes
"The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn't come enjoy it then," Death Valley National Park spokesperson Abby Wines said. "Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now, most of the main roads are open, so it's a great time to come visit."
NPS said kayakers should bring their own kayaks because there are none available for rent at the park. In addition, they should recreate safely and responsibly. Explorers can enjoy the views of snow-capped Panamint Range while they paddle, a view that is usually only available from dry ground.
"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Wines said. "It's cool just to see this place look so different. The lake creates these amazing reflections of the mountains."
Park staff are also gearing up for the annual stargazing event, the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival from March 1-3.
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