California's 'Ghost Lake' Returns After 130 Years, Submerging 94,000 Acres Of Farmland

California's 'Ghost Lake' Returns After 130 Years, Submerging 94,000 Acres Of Farmland

Tulare Lake, once a vast freshwater body in California, has reappeared after 130 years due to heavy snowmelt, highlighting historical water management practices and impacting the San Joaquin Valley.

California's 'Ghost Lake' returns after 130 years, submerging 94,000 acres of farmland

Lake Once-vast lake makes dramatic comeback Once the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi, Tulare Lake in California’s San Joaquin Valley vanished over a century ago due to colonial-era drainage for agriculture. However, in the past year, this once-lost lake has dramatically reemerged, bringing both challenges and opportunities to the region. In the late 19th century, Tulare Lake spanned over 100 miles in length and 30 miles in wid…