Imagining a bright day of fishing, a group of friends trekked to the White Cloud Mountains in Idaho. They aimed for Ocalkens Lake #2, but surprise! It was almost bone-dry, with barely an inch of water left. They found a slightly better alternative at Ocalkens Lake #1, though it was smaller and greener. The friends wondered, what caused this?

    Experts have a couple of ideas. One is that the 2020 Stanley earthquake may have created a hidden crack under the lake, draining water into the ground. Another more straightforward explanation is that the lake might not be getting enough water during the rainy season to survive the summer heat. This issue has been happening since 2016, with the lake level already quite low back then.

    Could climate change be the villain here? Warmer temperatures and different rain patterns can make lakes shrink. Less ice, unusual water flow, and even changes in plants can all play a part. The lake belongs to the Salmon River Watershed, which has faced some of the driest years ever recorded.

    Even though the lake is almost dry, nearby Slate Creek is still flowing strongly. This is because water underground and on the surface are connected. There might be groundwater feeding the creek, even when there's not much water left on the surface. Think of it like a pitcher of water - you can still pour out what's left, even if most of it is gone.

What's Up with Idaho's Drying Lakes?

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