Home / Editor's Pick /

Hurricane Hilary impacts: Lake formed in Death Valley

12:00 PM
October 28, 2023

Hurricane Hilary impacts
Lake formed in Death Valley

Settings for external content

Privacy policy

A large lake has formed in the driest place in the U.S. Hurricane Hilary left its mark in Death Valley National Park.

In Death Valley, Calif., the effects of Hurricane Hilary are still visible more than two months later. Badwater Basin, a large depression within the valley located 282 feet below sea level, is now filled with a large lake.

Typically, this part of the national park is completely dry. There are also now small ponds between shrubs and dunes in other parts of Death Valley. The lake is expected to exist for just a few more weeks, as it gradually dries up again.

Over a year's worth of rain in one day

Hurricane Hilary moved across southern California in mid-August, bringing torrential rains. Death Valley received around 2.20 inches of rain in just one day - a new record. That is more than the average for an entire year.

The Badwater Basin in Death Valley is usually a vast dry plain of salt. The Badwater Basin in Death Valley is usually a vast dry plain of salt. - © Dennis Oswald

The dry desert soil and the mountainous terrain could not absorb that amount of water. The surface water produced severe flooding, swept away roads and caused further damage to infrastructure.

The park had only just reopened as of October 15th. Even today, some roads remain closed in the national park. The authorities do not expect a complete opening before spring 2024.

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Off the coast of Sardinia

Waterspout seen from cruise ship
Summer brings the heat and the water activities with it!
Monday, June 2, 2025

Bye, spring!

Meteorological summer is here!
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Why & how does it work?

High pressure & extreme heat
All weather news
This might also interest you
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Chantal's remnants

Tropical waterspout in North Carolina
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Tropical Storm Chantal

Carolina's heavy rains, flood risk
Monday, July 7, 2025

Daily briefing

East Coast's front, flash flood risk continues for Texas
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement