The spinning whirlpool of concrete
Lake Berryessa
, known as the
“glory hole”
, has been reignited after six long years. This peculiar and mesmerizing phenomenon is now completely visible again, drawing thousands of gallons of water each second into its profound, round basin. Located amidst the rolling hills of Napa County, this extraordinary sight has returned due to an abundant season of wintery precipitation.
A Whirlwind Spawned by Winter’s Downpour
A seldom-seen and captivating phenomenon has resurfaced in Napa County: the spinning overflow channel at Lake Berryessa, commonly known as the
“glory hole,”
has become active once more after being dormant for six years. Due to recent storms causing the lake level to rise past the critical overflow threshold, water has been cascading into the large circular drain since early February—captivating engineers, visitors, and social media users alike.
This year’s winter rains did what hasn’t happened since 2019: pushed
Lake Berryessa
’ surface elevated sufficiently to activate the spillway, which is positioned close to it.
Monticello Dam
On March 13, the
The lake was around six inches deep.
above the structure. It’s expected to dip back below the rim soon—unless forecasted rains generate enough runoff to keep the funnel alive into next week.
The “glory hole,” which goes by the official title of the
Morning Glory spillway
, acts as a release valve for the reservoir. When lake levels
rise above 440 feet
, water starts pouring into the
72-foot-wide funnel
And downstream towards Putah Creek, preventing the dam from overflowing. Typically, this colossal edifice stands tall above water level, appearing dry and quiet. However, during wetter seasons, it morphs into an immense swirling vortex that appears to engulf the entire lake.
An Engineering Marvel — And A Display of Nature
Built in 1957, the
Monticello Dam
was created to capture Putah Creek and establish Lake Berryessa. The nearby valley, referred to as
Devil’s Gate
was too small for a conventional spillway. The engineers chose an unconventional solution: a round drain—a distinctive and captivating feature that remains intriguing even years later.
“It’s simply captivating,” remarked Peter Kilkus, who has been monitoring the spillway for many years via Lake Berryessa.
News
The swirling impact can be observed from an exit point on
Highway 128
, where a continuous flow of visitors now come to observe the spectacle.
The design of the drain has gained iconic status not just because of its functionality but also due to its unearthly look. There are only a handful of such structures within the state—with others located at Whiskeytown Lake and Trinity Lake—butLake Berryessa’s version stands out.
s
is easily the most captured and discussed.
Essential Water, Fleeting Magic
As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle
, Lake Berryessa provides
municipal water
and
agricultural irrigation
for Solano County, providing over
500,000 people
Most of the water released supports nearby agriculture, however, the reservoir also provides for industrial and residential networks.
Chris Lee, who serves as the general manager at the
Solano County Water Agency
He stated that water levels depend not only on the quantity of rain but also on its pattern. “The volume of water in the reservoir depends on several elements, such as both the amount and the length of winter rainfall,” he clarified.
Where to View It—and What Happens Now?
Buoyancy devices circle the spillway to deter boaters and swimmers, yet observers on solid ground have an unobstructed view from the highway vista point. Spectators must exercise caution; despite the picturesque setting, the churning currents and steep precipice retain their perilous nature alongside the spectacle.
The
The last time the glory hole was operational was in 2019.
, and before that,
in 2006
. Its reactivation is unpredictable, relying entirely on weather conditions, runoff behavior, and reservoir management.
In a region famed for its cyclical droughts and depleted water reserves,
Lake Berryessa’s
The thundering drain serves as a scarce testament to nature’s strength—and its uncontrollable nature.
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