Discover the Glory Hole of Lake Berryessa: Location and Purpose

Lake Berryessa is one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the entire world. Located in the prime of Napa Valley, California, it’s surrounded by some of the most amazing nature that you’ll see. Not only is it a beautiful body of water, but it also provides a sustainable source of electricity to Northern California and the Bay Area. Because these areas produce so much of the world’s economy and are so heavily populated, keeping everything together is a huge task. Lake Berryessa is up for the challenge. One of the most iconic parts of this area is the huge hole that appears. There are many myths surrounding the hole, where exactly it goes, and how in the world it ended up in the middle of Lake Berryessa.

What is the Hole in Lake Berryessa and Why is it There?

Lake Berryessa was created in the 1950s. The reservoir is man-made and has one of the most unique features of any lake or reservoir in the entire world. Near the Monticello Dam is what appears to be a random drop in the middle of the lake. However, it’s not so random. This hole serves as a way for the lake to get rid of water when there’s too much inside. There was a large gap between uses, as it was utilized in 2017 for the first time since 2006. The next time it was used was 2019, and it appears to be trending towards possibly being used again soon. When the lake reaches 440 feet, the hole becomes important. Earlier this year, it was at 412 feet while still rising. So, where does this water go when it leaves the lake?

Where Does The Hole in Lake Berryessa Lead To?

There have been many rumors as to where this hole leads, including the other side of the world. While it might look like it could force its way through the planet’s core, it in fact doesn’t do that. The flow of water goes to the Putah Creek, which is below the lake. This is a great feature as the water is still in nature and working with the ecosystem. The water then flows southeast towards Davis, California. Is this lake safe to swim in with such a huge hole in the middle, though?

Is Lake Berryessa Safe to Swim In With This Hole?

While it might feel like there’s a huge pull to the hole, that is not typically the case. However, a massive danger to keep in mind is the deep drop-offs in the lake. According to ABC 10, the bottom can drop from six feet to 90 feet unexpectedly and immediately. The further out you swim, the more dangerous it becomes. Swimming back can take lots of energy, which leads to extreme exhaustion. More people have died from swimming in the lake than in the hole itself.

Throughout the entire history of the hole, there’s only been one tragic fatality. This is because the lake rarely ever has to use the drainage system. Whenever the lake has to use the drainage system, more than likely it is during inclement weather. Swimming or boating near the hole is not advised as a safety measure. With over 20,000 acres of area to enjoy, it’s not hard to find other parts of this lake for swimming, but again, be aware of dangerous dropoffs noted above.

What Activities Are In Lake Berryessa?

Being one of the most amazing reservoirs in the United States means you have lots of options for fun things to do. Lake Berryessa doesn’t disappoint one bit. The lake is recognized for having some of the best water skiing around. This is partly from the pretty water itself and the amazing views you’ll take in.

Water skiing isn’t the only activity to do at the lake, as fishing, jet skiing, and kayaking are also encouraged activities. For those who don’t want to get in the water, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails around the lake to enjoy. Families can enjoy great getaways, especially with all of the hard work that goes on in the Bay Area. One of the things that visiting guests can’t do is hunt. Hunting is not permitted by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Lake Berryessa has some of the most amazing views in all of California. Being situated in Napa Valley entices residents and tourists to visit. When going to Lake Berryessa, make sure to enjoy all that it offers. This includes witnessing one of the most amazing marvels in engineering – the hole. Always make sure to be safe whenever swimming in natural bodies of water. This is especially true in the case of Lake Berryessa. The people of Northern California are sure to be thankful for this glorious reservoir and everything that it provides to help sustain one of the most populated areas in the world.