Last week, Death Valley in California experienced some extraordinary weather phenomena as strong winds caused a temporary lake, known as Lake Manly, to move two miles north. The National Park Service confirmed this unusual event, attributing it to a storm system originating from the Pacific Northwest.
Abby Wines, a park ranger at Death Valley National Park, described the incident as the lake going on a “walkabout.” The powerful winds, reaching speeds of up to 54.8 miles per hour, started on February 29 and continued through March 1 and 2. The winds also caused minor damage in the surrounding areas, with reports of trees, power lines, and buildings being affected.
Lake Manly, which forms in the saltwater flats of Badwater Basin when there is enough rainfall, is known for attracting visitors with canoes and kayaks. The shallow nature of the lake made it susceptible to being moved by the strong winds, a phenomenon not uncommon in other parts of the country.
After the lake had shifted, the Park Service announced a temporary ban on boating until the lake refills. Mike Reynolds, superintendent of Death Valley National Park, expressed amazement at witnessing an entire lake migrate, but emphasized the need to protect the area from further damage caused by footprints and drag marks left by visitors.
By Thursday, the water from Lake Manly had returned to its original location, albeit with a brown color due to being stirred up by the winds. Ms. Wines reassured that the water would eventually settle back to its blue color with good reflections.
The unique event of Lake Manly’s migration serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature at play in Death Valley, leaving visitors and park officials alike in awe of the ever-changing landscape.
