The lake, 16 kilometers long, formed in Death Valley after heavy rainfall in Southern California: their number in this region on March 5 and 6 was 2.2 centimeters - almost three times more than the average for March.
Death Valley (Death Valley) is considered the hottest and driest place in North America. Record rainfall or large bodies of water are extremely rare here. However, this still happens, each time surprising explorers and travelers. So, after a heavy storm that hit the desert with rain and lower temperatures throughout Southern California, photographer Elliott McGucken stumbled upon a giant lake in an attempt to get to the Badwater Basin.
“It's a surreal feeling to see so much water in the driest place on Earth. It's ironic that because of this I was never able to go down to the Badwater pool, but I think these pictures are of great value,”says McGaken, who posted the photos on his Instagram.
The lake is located near Salt Creek, the eastern area of the national park. The images show a temporary lake 16 kilometers long with the Panamint Ridge in the background: it doesn't really take much water to create a lake in this incredibly arid place.
Since water is difficult to absorb in desert conditions, even moderate rainfall can cause flooding in Death Valley, according to meteorologist Chris Dolce. Flash flooding can occur even where there has been no rain - usually dry streams or gullies (dry or temporary watercourse valleys with soddy slopes) can be inundated due to precipitation upstream. Death Valley is located in Eastern California and can be one of the hottest places in the world during the summer months.
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On July 15, 1972, the highest natural temperature on the earth's surface was recorded here - 93.9 degrees Celsius. And over the past two years, it has also documented the hottest month on record. In addition, it is also the driest place in all of North America, with typically only 60 millimeters of rainfall per year.
However, there are exceptions: for example, the amount of precipitation in this region on March 5 and 6 was 2.2 centimeters - almost three times more than the usual average for the entire March. Despite its name, Death Valley maintains a wide variety of life: with rare downpours, wildflowers bloom, and temporary oases become home to small fish and refuge for people and wild animals.
Dmitry Mazalev