The arid region of North America blossoms with vibrant lakes and blooming flowers following Hurricane Hilary
California's Death Valley, known as the hottest and driest place in North America, has undergone a remarkable transformation Following the unprecedented rainfall brought by Hurricane Hilary, the once barren desert now showcases vibrant lakes and blooming flowers, resembling an oasis rather than a desolate landscape
After Hurricane Hilary's torrential downpour, California's Death Valley, known for being the hottest and driest place in North America, is now transformed into a surprising oasis. Ponds have formed on the once parched ground, while remote areas are adorned with colorful wildflowers. Notably, a salt flat has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, turning into a vast and awe-inspiring lake. This unusual transformation, however, is a temporary spectacle that captivates all who witness it.
"It is an exceptionally uncommon and extraordinary occurrence," stated Abby Wines, spokesperson for Death Valley park, in an interview with CNN. This phenomenon takes place roughly once every ten years.
This remarkable event occurred when Death Valley received an unprecedented amount of rainfall, measuring 2.2 inches, within a mere 24-hour period on August 20. It marked the wettest day ever documented in the park's history. Prior to this, records dating back to 1911 had not recorded more than 2 inches of rainfall in a single day.
The excessive rainfall couldn't be absorbed by the parched desert soil quickly enough, resulting in flash flooding. Trails and a significant portion of everything else in its path were washed away by the torrent of water.
Road crews traverse along hwy 190 in Death Valley, California, on August 31, 2023, where most of the road was washed out.
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
"According to Wines, all roads within the park suffered extensive damage, indicating that there is still a significant amount of work to be done."
"The severity of the damage was such that it necessitated the closure of Death Valley National Park from late August to mid-October, marking the longest period of closure in its history, as stated by Mike Reynolds, the park's superintendent, in a press release."
With the park now partially reopened, there is a limited opportunity to witness some of the rare sights, while others will remain inaccessible indefinitely. Following Hilary's immediate aftermath, floodwaters accumulated in various areas across the vast park, including the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The presence of mud cracks serves as the sole reminder of the numerous pools that have since dried up since August.
Excess water also sent wildflowers into early bloom in a remote area of the park difficult for most visitors to access, according to Wines.
Visitors gather at the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats at the recently reopened Death Valley National Park on October 21, 2023.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
However, the magnificent impact of Hilary's fury is still observable in person - the only uncertainty is its longevity. As per the National Park Service, a temporary lake, stretching over several miles, has formed in Badwater Basin, which holds the distinction of being the lowest point in North America.
Given its position at 282 feet below sea level, it is unsurprising that floodwater accumulated in Badwater Basin. What is truly astonishing is the enduring presence of the water. Even nearly two months after the unprecedented deluge, the water continues to be trapped in this location.
"It was a lot of rain (from Hilary) and its going to take a while for all that water to evaporate - even in the desert," Wines told CNN.
A visitor walks in the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats in Death Valley National Park on October 21, 2023.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A month later, Hilary Wines took a kayak to Badwaters lake and estimated the depth to be approximately one foot. Currently, the lake is only a few inches deep and may dry up within a few weeks, as noted by the NPS.
The duration of the lake's existence heavily relies on the forthcoming weather conditions during the following weeks: The more scorching and arid the climate, the quicker its water will evaporate. However, the average high temperatures in Death Valley decrease rapidly during autumn and are nowhere near the record-breaking heat experienced in the summer. The forecast predicts that high temperatures will drop to the 80s later this week and will only reach the 70s by early next week, potentially decelerating the evaporation process.
Wines expressed her wish for knowing the exact duration of its existence, mentioning her belief that there will likely be some water present until November. To visitors anticipating witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon, Wines advised, "The earlier, the preferable."
