After months of relentless rainstorms, Death Valley's iconic Badwater Basin has transformed from a striking white salt flat into the shimmering waters of Lake Manly, offering a rare and exhilarating kayaking experience in one of the driest places on Earth.
Park Ranger Nichole Andler shared that over the past six months, Death Valley has received more than double its usual annual rainfall, totaling over 12.45 centimeters compared to the typical 5.08 centimeters. This unprecedented rainfall has brought Lake Manly back to life, stretching approximately 9.66 kilometers long and 4.83 kilometers wide.
Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 85.95 meters below sea level, has become a haven for kayakers and adventurous souls eager to paddle across its temporary waters. “It's the lowest point in North America. So it's going to collect water, but to have as much water as we have now – and for it to be as deep and lasting as long as it has – this is extremely uncommon,” said Andler. “If it's not once-in-a-lifetime, it's nearly.”
Visitors like Heather and Bob Gang from Pahrump, Nevada, have taken full advantage of this fleeting opportunity. While most wade in the shallow sections, the Gangs have been kayaking in areas where the water reaches up to 0.3 meters deep. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kayak Lake Manly,” Heather Gang remarked.
The resurgence of the lake has not only provided recreational opportunities but also sparked conversations about the impacts of climate change. Bob Gang noted, “With climate change, who knows, maybe this will be the normal,” hinting at the broader environmental shifts that could make such events more frequent.
Despite the excitement, there's an urgency to enjoy the lake while it lasts. Ranger Andler warned that water levels are expected to drop within weeks, possibly lasting into April or May, before the area returns to its familiar, stunning salt flats.
As the sun sets over Lake Manly, friends Trudell Artiglere and Sheri Dee Hopper of Las Vegas reflected on their experience: “At the end of the day, our salt-encrusted kayaks looked like glazed donuts,” Artiglere said, highlighting the unique and picturesque nature of this rare aquatic transformation.
For now, kayaking enthusiasts and nature lovers continue to flock to Death Valley, cherishing this extraordinary moment in one of the world's most extreme environments.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
