Massive whirlpool stuns visitors as powerful storms push Lake Berryessa past its limit in Northern California

Nature has put on a breathtaking show in Northern California as a rare whirlpool has formed in Lake Berryessa, drawing crowds eager to witness the dramatic spectacle.

The lake’s famous ‘Morning Glory Spillway,’ a massive funnel-shaped drain, has sprung into action for the first time since 2019, thanks to relentless storms that have overwhelmed the state’s rivers and reservoirs.

Located about 70 miles northeast of San Francisco, this impressive structure serves as a giant overflow drain, preventing the lake from flooding.

The sight of water swirling into the massive concrete funnel has left visitors in awe, with many capturing photos and videos of the mesmerizing event.

A Unique Engineering Marvel

The ‘Morning Glory Spillway’—often called the ‘glory hole’—is a one-of-a-kind engineering feature, originally built in the 1950s when Putah Creek was dammed to create Lake Berryessa.

Measuring 72 feet across, the spillway acts much like an overflow drain in a bathtub, redirecting excess water into Putah Creek on the other side of Monticello Dam.

Because of its unusual design, the spillway only activates when the water level reaches a specific height, making its appearance a rare and spectacular event.

It last overflowed in 2019, and before that, in 2017 and 2006.

Chris Lee, general manager of the Solano County Water Agency, described the sight as “mesmerizing to watch,” adding, “It’s not something you see in very many places in the world.”

Recent Storms Push Lake Levels Over the Edge

Lake Berryessa’s dramatic overflow is the result of back-to-back wet winters and an onslaught of powerful storms.

According to Jay Cuetara, a supervising water resources engineer for the Solano County Water Agency, the reservoir was already at full capacity last summer.

This winter’s heavy rains provided the final push, sending water cascading into the spillway.

“We started the summer with a topped-off lake, and then this winter brought a lot of storms and runoff. That did it,” Cuetara explained.

This year’s storms have also triggered spillovers in other parts of California, including at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Shasta, which has a smaller but similar drain system.

A Must-See Natural Phenomenon

The rare event has drawn locals and tourists alike, all eager to witness the whirlpool in action.

Peter Kilkus, editor of Lake Berryessa News, was among those who gathered near the dam to take in the sight.

“People were taking pictures and videos, just standing in awe,” he told reporters.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse, experts predict the spillway will remain active for at least another week or two, depending on rainfall and runoff levels.

A Powerful Yet Dangerous Attraction

While the ‘glory hole’ is a fascinating sight, it’s also a dangerous one.

Officials warn swimmers and boaters to stay far away from the powerful current created by the draining water.

The force of the water plunging into the funnel is tremendous, making it nearly impossible for anything caught in the vortex to escape.

Tragically, history has shown just how deadly the spillway can be.

In 1997, a woman lost her life after being pulled into the whirlpool and dragged down its several-hundred-foot drop.

In 2019, onlookers watched as a cormorant was swept into the depths, with officials stating it was unlikely the bird survived the fall.

Brionna Ruff, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Reclamation, which owns the spillway, emphasized the dangers of getting too close.

“From what I understand, the water is going down really fast, and when things come out the other side… I don’t want to get really graphic,” she told reporters.

A Rare Glimpse into California’s Extreme Weather

The reactivation of Lake Berryessa’s spillway serves as a reminder of how unpredictable California’s weather can be.

Just a few years ago, the state was in the grip of a devastating drought, with dangerously low reservoir levels.

Now, thanks to back-to-back wet seasons, the landscape has shifted dramatically, pushing some water systems to their limits.

As climate patterns continue to fluctuate, events like this may become more frequent—or even more extreme.

But for now, the whirlpool in Lake Berryessa remains a rare and awe-inspiring sight, capturing the imagination of all who witness it.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn