Current Conditions Prohibit Kayaking on Death Valley’s Transient Lake, 5th Mar 2024
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Current Conditions Prohibit Kayaking on Death Valley's Transient Lake, 5th Mar 2024
Recent strong winds experienced in Las Vegas extended throughout the region, impacting the limited opportunity for kayaking on the ephemeral lake at Death Valley National Park.
Lake Manly, a temporary lake formed atop a salt flat following rains from California’s atmospheric rivers and Tropical Storm Hilary, has been accessible for kayaking for just under two weeks.
Prior to this occurrence, the lake was last visible in 2005 for approximately a week, drawing visitors from across the country to kayak in North America’s driest location, situated roughly 130 miles west of Las Vegas.
However, the persistent winds have caused the salty water to shift 2 miles northward and spread out, resulting in decreased depth, as noted by park rangers.
Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed amazement at witnessing the entire lake migrate, but with the water now receding and leaving wide mudflats, visitors have had to trek longer distances, sometimes even dragging their boats along. This has left lasting footprints and drag marks, likely visible for years to come.
Consequently, the decision has been made to suspend boating activities on historic Lake Manly for the time being.
Gusts reaching up to 21 mph were recorded at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, the closest monitoring station, by the National Weather Service’s Las Vegas office.
These winds, ranging between 16 and 21 mph, coincided with the period when the lake shifted, according to the center’s reports.
Closer to the former location of the lake at Badwater Basin, the National Park Service indicated that winds might have peaked at speeds of up to 40 mph.
At its peak, Lake Manly stretched 6 miles in length, 3 miles in width, and had a depth of only 1 foot.
During its full phase, kayaks could be launched as close as 10 feet from the road in certain areas.
However, boating is now prohibited due to the potential damage boats could cause to the muddy lakebed. Rangers emphasized that such damage could persist until the next time the lake refills.
