Overview
- From September to November, the park recorded 2.41 inches of rain, including 1.76 inches in November that set a new monthly record, according to NWS and NPS.
- The reformed lake is small and shallow—generally not topping shoe height and about a mile from the Badwater parking area—and is expected to be short-lived.
- NASA released satellite imagery on December 12 showing the new thin sheet of water in parts of the basin.
- Flooding and debris have closed or damaged roads, with NPS warning that unpaved and backcountry routes may be impassable, though major viewpoints remain open.
- This refilling is far smaller than in 2023–2024 when depths reached roughly three feet and kayaking occurred, while a nearby inn reports a 20%–30% rise in business since the water returned.