Berryessa Spillway Tragedy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Berryessa Spillway Deaths

The Lake Berryessa Spillway, situated in Napa Valley, California, is a reservoir formed by the Monticello Dam.

Construction on the dam began in 1953, and it was completed in 1957, primarily to supply water for irrigation and drinking to nearly 600,000 people in the region. The dam has a height of 304 feet and a length of 1,023 feet, making it an impressive engineering feat.

The Glory Hole Phenomenon

At the heart of the Monticello Dam lies the Glory Hole, a unique vertical spillway that operates similarly to a bathtub drain but in an unconventional manner.

The Glory Hole measures approximately 72 feet wide and 245 feet long, with a vertical drop of over 200 feet. Its primary function is to serve as an overflow valve for the Lake Berryessa reservoir when its water levels rise significantly.

When the lake reaches around 440 feet, excess water starts to pour into the Glory Hole and is directed through an 8-foot-wide pipe, leading the water downstream into Putah Creek.

The Mesmerizing Whirlpool Effect

When the Glory Hole is active, it creates a mesmerizing whirlpool effect, particularly when viewed from above. It may appear like a portal to certain death, but in reality, it plays a vital role in preventing flooding in the region.

The unique design of the spillway allows it to handle vast amounts of water, protecting the surrounding communities from potential disaster during heavy rainfall and rapid water inflows into the reservoir.

Record Rainfalls and Activity

Throughout the years, the Lake Berryessa region has experienced periods of record rainfalls, leading to the spillway’s activation on various occasions.

The last time the Glory Hole was active before 2017 was back in May 2006, making the event of its overflow a rare occurrence. In February 2017, after a decade of inactivity, the Glory Hole came to life once again, drawing tourists and locals to witness this natural wonder.

Another instance of its activation occurred in February 2019, after a constant stream of storms hit Northern California, causing the lake to rise above the 440-foot level.

A Tragic Incident

While the Glory Hole may appear enchanting, it is essential to acknowledge the risks associated with its powerful currents.

In 1997, a tragic incident occurred when a woman, Emily Schwalek, lost her life after being sucked down the spillway.

Authorities have since taken measures to prevent any unfortunate accidents, but it serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of getting too close to the Glory Hole’s edge.

Lake Berryessa Today

As of 2023, Lake Berryessa stands at around 430 feet, approximately 9 feet short of the Morning Glory Spillway’s edge.

While it may not reach the overflow point this year, the lake remains a stunning natural attraction, offering recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.

The spillway’s intermittent activity, combined with the scenic beauty of the region, continues to draw interest and admiration from people worldwide.