I have always been fascinated by curiosities like this. I know that when I would go canoeing when I was a kid you would see small whirlpools and things like that but nothing at all like this.
After a severe five-year-drought in California, the Golden State finally received enough rain this last winter to declare areas of the state drought-free.
Rain and snow poured down on the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Northern California, allowing lakes and reservoirs that were previously dried up to fill to max capacity.
One area of the state that received the much needed rainfall was in Napa County. Known for its rolling hills and meadows, the county is a popular tourist attraction.
However, as a result of the drought, much of the area had started drying up; including Lake Berryessa, the seventh largest man-made lake in California.
Sitting up against the side of a 304-foot dam, Lake Berryessa is famous for its “Glory Hole” spillway, an incredible sight to behold when at full capacity.
Unfortunately, for over a decade there has not been enough water for the Glory Hole to be seen in action.
After years of dry winters, this past January and February finally brought record-breaking levels of rain to the region. There was so much rain, the lake actually filled up within a matter of a few days! The Glory Hole went to work once again.
Measuring at the widest part of the opening, the hole is 72 feet across and, as it travels down the funnel, eventually narrows down to 28 feet. The water flows through the funnel and eventually drains into Putah Creek.