The Comeback Of Death Valley National Park Lake? Will It Stay?

Sep 10, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 18, 2024

Travel Blog

The year 2023 fall saw the return of Lake Manly or the Death Valley National Park lake. The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Death Valley, as well as the entire North America. It is located 282 feet below sea level, and today, the world knows it as a dry and salted flat.  

However, a massive downpour caused by Hurricane Hilary in fall 2023 and the “Atmospheric River Effect” this year made the dried lake appear magically. Lastly, the lake had a resurrection in 2005, and suddenly, this trace of life in the barren land looks and feels surreal.  

But why did this lake appear all of a sudden? Will it stay? What can you see while exploring the area near Lake Manly? This article tries to find answers to all your questions.

Further, there is a sneak peek into what NASA shows about the ghostly and ancient lake at Death Valley National Park.  

Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned? 

Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned?

Yes, the ancient Death Valley National Park lake made a comeback. Hurricane Hilary hit Death Valley on 19th-21st August 2023, and its remnants caused more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall (2 inches) at the national park.  

Further, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect on 4th-7th February 2024 caused 1.5 inches of rainfall. Altogether, the amount of rainfall in this park from the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024 was 4.9 inches.1  

This sudden and unprecedented rainfall caused the rise of Death Valley National Park Lake. In mid-February 2024, the lake had one-foot deep water. Further, it was 6 miles long and 3 miles wide.  

NASA has published a series of three images of Lake Manly. The pictures showed the difference between the barren, salted land in July and the waterlogged area in August after the rampage of Hurricane Hilary and Atmospheric River. Further, the pictures also depicted that the lake was almost the same size in August 2023 and February 2024.  

Moreover, according to the latest update in April 2024, the lake is getting a steady number of visitors. The reflection of the surrounding peaks looks out of the world in the tranquil water of the lake.

In addition, thanks to the rainfall and the resurgence of the lake, the national park had an abundance of wildflowers this season.  

Elyscia Letterman2, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), has mentioned,  

It’s quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset when you have these beautiful reflections from the mountains around the lake. There’s some snow on the mountaintops. So, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the water is very beautiful. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Death Valley.”  

Again, the Amargosa River keeps feeding the Badwater Basin area from the south. With its increased water level, it can help the Death Valley National Park lake to stay.

Having said that, let’s discuss a few details about how Hurricane Hillary and the atmospheric river effect impacted the lake formation and overall national park.  

Hurricane Hillary Hits Death Valley National Park 

The Death Valley National Park experienced flooding after a massive downpour started at Gower Gulch near Zabriskie Point. The rainfall took place on 20th August 2023, and the crew started assessing the havoc in the park on 21st August 2023.  

Thanks to the flooding, Lake Manly made a comeback. However, some of the backcountry roads were completely washed. In addition, there was a major loss of pavements and undercutting.  

The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then. 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!” 

 – Ranger Abby Wines on the return of the Death Valley National Park Lake after Hurricane Hillary 

Atmospheric River Effect In Death Valley National Park 

The Death Valley National Park was already recovering from the impact of Hurricane Hilary. Suddenly, in February 2024, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect hit the national park. The storm fed the Badwater Basin with water, which enhanced the temporary lake. 

This storm also pulled down snow from the mountain peaks, and it came down to around 4000 feet in the park.  

Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay?  

Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay? 

Despite the endorheic nature of the Badwater Basin, the Death Valley National Park Lake is transitional or ephemeral in nature. The evaporation rate here is higher than the water feed it gets.

However, the downpours caused by the August 2023 and February 2024 natural calamities have brought all the changes. We now have a lake that shows some potential to stay.  

Again, the Amargosa River has flowing water at a high level. So, the basin is getting constantly fed by water from the south. As a result, the lake still stands in the driest place for a span of more than 6 months. In 2005, when the lake reappeared for the last time, it only lasted a week. This time, there is a new scenario around the lake and how long the water will last. 

Having said that, nothing specific can be mentioned about how long the lake will stay as the rate of evaporation is still high. Even as I write this article, I realize that the lake may not remain fit for kayaking for long. Still, the lake is likely to exist for some time, offering visitors a renewed site of attraction in the national park.  

Overall, the resurgence of the lake and its stay is an “extremely rare event,” as mentioned by the National Park Service authority.  

Exploring The Death Valley National Park Lake Area  

There is no denying that all roads in the Death Valley National Park lead to the ancient lake, which has come to life. Once you are done taking photographs or seeing the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water, you can take a walk around the area.  

The shores of the lake have a white boundary wall, which is formed because of a high concentration of salt. Further, the Panamint Range, Black Mountains, and barren land surrounding the lake offer you an other-worldly experience.  

Moreover, you can explore the nearby looking points in the park to have diverse views of the place. Enjoy your time at the oasis of Death Valley!  

What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024) 

What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024) 

NASA showed the change in the Death Valley National Park Lake from February to March using SWOT, a U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. In just six weeks, the water level came down to 1.5 feet from 3 feet.  

The NASA report has further highlighted the temporary nature of the lake and the fact that a gust of a strong wind can move this lake by a couple of miles. 

Final Words  

With “billions of gallons of water,” the Death Valley National Park lake is alive again. The sapphire blue water in the midst of a barren land shows the magic of nature. In February 2024, the lake became a go-to destination for kayaking, thanks to its 1-foot-deep water.

However, by March, the lake was closed to opening, and in April, the lake was transformed into a waterbody of a few inches’ depth.  

This has also become a tourist attraction thanks to the most amazing sunrise and sunset views. 

Further, there is no assurance or specific information available about how long the lake will last. So, make it to the Death Valley National Park till the lake lasts.

Also, don’t forget to share your experience as you explore the Badwater Basin area around the ghostly (now alive) lake.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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A Guide To Traverse City Beach – 10 Best Beaches To Explore

BY  Barsha Jan 17, 2023

Planning to check out the Traverse City beach sometime soon? But what beach will you go to - there are so many beautiful beaches in this area of the United States that you will be left spoilt for choice - we know we were! So, the next time you are planning a trip to the beach, don’t forget about Traverse City. Keep reading to find out! A Guide To Traverse City Beach - 10 Best Beaches To Explore! There are so many beautiful hotels that you will b spoilt for choice - so choosing the location based on the popular hotels of the area would be a wrong choice. Instead, how about finding out which is the prettiest beach first before you can book your hotels? But here’s a list of hotels to help you out anyway! Bayshore Resort, The Baywatch Resort, Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Delamar Traverse City, Parkshore Resort, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, Sugar Beach Resort Hotel, Pinestead Reef Resort, The Beach Haus Resort, and Pointes North Beachfront Resort Hotel. 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Briones Regional Park remains my favorite component of the district system, and I especially like to be there when the raptor migration is in full swing. I am SO grateful for all the hard work and cooperative efforts that have made the East Bay Regional Park District one of the finest park/trail systems in America. 6. Bryant Park: Amongst the different Traverse City beaches, the ones in Bryant Park are perhaps the most popular amongst the local residents. So, if you want a local beach flavor then heading over to Bryant Park is a great idea. Review By Lucky M: This beach is lovely. The parking lot is really small, which can be a problem, but it also limits the crowds. There is lots of room on the expanse of nice, clean sand to spread out. The water is mostly pretty shallow, so it's great for the kids to play safely, and there's also a great playground. There is a nice bathhouse with flush toilets and sinks. 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Using Google Flights To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Barsha Apr 18, 2023

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Seasonal Luxury: When’s The Best Time To Visit Sydney?

BY  Sibashree Oct 13, 2025

Honestly, it’s fun watching Sydney flip personalities through the year. The city doesn’t really do that dramatic hibernation thing. It’s almost always, well, pleasant? But the city’s mood still shifts. Beaches, bars, parks! They all swap energy depending on the season. If you’re plotting a Sydney escape, it’s worth thinking about what you want most: are you after sun, culture, quiet nights, or rowdy days? Here’s how things actually feel, season by season. What Is The Best Time To Visit Sydney?  Check out the ultimate seasonal fun in Sydney in all months. Choose the best season based on the experience you want.  1. Summer (December – February): The Ultimate Beachfront Escape Let’s be real. Sydney in summer is a bit of a show-off. Those endless evenings that don’t seem to end, warm days (but not sticky-hot like you’d find elsewhere), and, yeah, every cliché about Aussie beaches is true but still sort of magical.  Bondi turns into a spectacle. You’ll hear more accents than at the UN. 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Quick Tip: Go inland for a day, the Blue Mountains are classic this time of year—flowers, trails, views for days. Stay At Villa Utopia. Completely open, full of light, you’ll forget what “indoors” means. Sort of house that hosts as many little gatherings as you want—no one stuck inside. Top Experiences Hot air balloon rides at dawn over the Hunter Valley. Pack a camera or just stand there and gawk. Create-your-own picnic after a hike, art shows cropping up with surprisingly friendly crowds. Must-Visit Event: Sculpture by the Sea. Bondi to Tamarama walk turns into a giant, outdoor art fair. Could get busy, but that’s half the fun. Stroll, stop, eat ice cream, repeat. Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Luxury Stay In Sydney Look, there’s no truly “wrong” season here. Want the full sun-blasted, classic travel-mag Sydney? Summer or spring.  Looking for something more laid-back (and lower-key on price)? Autumn and winter are criminally underrated. Honestly, it doesn’t hurt to overlap two seasons for a rollercoaster of city moods. Whatever time you settle on, the right stay, big, easy, friendly homes, will turn it luxe anyway. Sydney has a way of outdoing itself.