What’s Wrong with this Nevada Lake !? (The Story of Walker Lake)

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📖 REFERENCES & ADDITIONAL READING:
Walker Lake on the Brink ()
www.researchga...
Walker Lake Conservancy:
www.walkerbasi...
Walker Lake Working Group
walkerlake.org

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

As a commercial long haul driver of this region for some 25 years, I've seen many drivers pull onto the shoulders of Nevada highways only to get buried up to their axles in that conglomerate; you're not alone. Just found your channel. As a consummate rock-hound and roadside armchair geologist, I enjoyed this program and will soak in others in your catalogue. Consider me subbed🤞🏽

[@CogentConsult]

Im sure you got your truck unstuck, because you’re one tough cookie. Proud of you! Keep it up! You’re fun to watch!

[@LetsGoGeo]

I did! And I’ve been working on some new gear to take along to avoid too much backcountry trouble. Sand is always “fun” but I should have known better. Thanks for the support! Working on some new content soon.

[@sbergendorf]

Great content Heather! The 2023 amazing water year brought up the lake by 15 feet! And this year's decent year (and maybe conservation efforts as well) have kept the lake from dropping anymore.

[@Vegaswill714]

I've driven by Walker lake many times while traveling to Reno, I always wondered about it. Thanks for answering my questions! That was a great video.

[@randyearles1634]

same here, it always looked barren to me.

[@johnk3618]

Thanks!

[@gardeningtheearth]

I love that you’re featuring Walker Lake my mom grew up in Hawthorne right next to Walker Lake and I visited it myself quite a few years ago. It’s sad that it unfortunately is dying.

[@gardeningtheearth]

Oh my gosh! I just finished watching your video and I am so glad that Walker Lake has started receiving more water. Woo hoo! I’ll show my mom your video she’ll be so happy.

[@daciefusjones8128]

Sixty years years ago when I was twelve my family took a trip to Walker Lake and camped right on the shore which was pretty close to the highway. We stayed for three days and only a few other people were there. Four years later when I was sixteen my dad and I and my brother went back and my dad was surprised about how far the lake had gone down. Now it's just pitiful and I probably contributed to it by buying hay that was grown in Yerington for many years.

[@GregsGeologyChannel]

Because of you, I decided to stop at the hardware store in the small town where I'm at, and bought a shovel to keep in back of my truck. I hope I never have to use it, but it's a good idea to carry one. Thanks! 😀

[@ChrisCanepa-o3r]

My grandparents have lived in Hawthorne since the 60’s I got out there every chance I get. West side of the lake is known for Smokey quartz and native art. East side has petrified wood. There’s all kinds of minerals in “mineral” county. In schurz on the Paiute rez there’s a rock shop called rock chuck. Chelsea is the owner and she’s very knowledgeable of the local geology as she has claims all around the area where she mines minerals for her store.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Schurz is a great little town. They have the good fireworks and a dispensary, too.

[@Ken-hs5yu]

Back in the mid 70s, a friend of mine and myself took a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and we passed by Lake Walker, and just like you got stuck in the sand. Fortunately, the tribal officers stopped in their international harvester scout and pulled us out. Love the video. Brought back great memories.

[@vincentsmalley3073]

Ive learned so much on this channel Thankyou

[@HalsPals]

Thanks for this. I recently made the Las Vegas to Reno trip five times over 3 months. Passing by Walker Lake so often, I fiercely wondered about the history of the water level. Thanks for the info.

[@stustanski3912]

Walker Lake is part of ancient Lake Lahontan, there so many stone tools along the shores

[@jdean1851]

I LOVE WALKER LAKE" THANKS 4 POSTING!

[@RafaCB0987]

Really interesting the history of the lake, loved the video!

[@LetsGoGeo]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely a fascinating place with a lot of history.

[@williamwoodington4304]

If you get stuck in sand again all you need to do is let part of the air out your tires. Good idea to carry portable air compressor with to these outings.

[@LetsGoGeo]

Agreed. I didn’t want to deflate tires too much because I didn’t have a way onboard to re-inflate. So, up to this point I didn’t think there was a good portable inflator for a heavy truckload or tires that take higher psi, but I was wrong. I’m going to see if I can snag one soon. Thanks!

[@cmcer1995]

I have always been a fan of Geology ever since I was in elementary school. Rock hunting was my hobby anytime I was out and about in nature and even inside towns. Took earth science in high school and really learned a lot about Geology and even contemplated majoring in Geology and maybe even a career. But then exploring for oil didn't interest me and they don't pay well for a rock hunter anyway. But I still find it fascinating learning about the history of the earth and how things were formed. So, I subscribed to your channel and have found it very educational but sometimes a little over my head with lots of details but still fun.

[@PaulN-x2q]

I've been called-out for water conservation. The landscape industry insists that they need to irrigate, dig ponds, even with water that isn't theirs, or is too polluted to safely pool-up. And so suburbia employs all kinds of catchment and plumbing to direct water to the heat, which corrects temperature, by capturing more infrared radiation and sweeping it under the rug of latent-heat. If they only recognized water-vapor as a greenhouse gas, and exotic species as a drain... Consider me an advocate for Walker Lake.

[@gillafunk]

Smart, nerdy, cute, engaging, passionate. Definitely subscribing

[@LetsGoGeo]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@shadowjack8]

There is a good alluvial fan at the north end of the lake where the river flows in some of the time.

[@poopenshnapples7160]

Excellent video!

[@NVArt001]

There used to be a fishing derby in Walker Lake sponsored by the "El Capitan" casino in Hawthorne, if I'm not mistaken.

[@lilrusty6720]

Fantastic and informative. Thank you very much.

[@andrewpinkham9904]

When I was a kid in the 60s walker lake was a place you could fish. I had hoped the massive rains and snow pack would have raised the water level more than it has. too bad

[@LetsGoGeo]

That would have been pretty awesome to see. It’s unfortunate how much this is the fate of so many of these lakes. The drought is really going to make it worse.

[@bd1875]

Nice work! I was just camping near there this weekend. I'm an entomologist by training so most I can do is stare at rocks and ???. I've gotten stuck hunting bugs... Happens to the best of us!

[@gardeningtheearth]

Were you out there looking for Vinegaroons?

[@pete4563]

Another fascinating episode, Heather. Tell me, what software do you use to create your videos? Cheers 🦘😎

[@LetsGoGeo]

Thanks! It’s mostly done with a free phone app, believe it or not! 😂 so I can do things while on the road. It’s called YouCut

[@pete4563]

@@LetsGoGeo thanks Heather. YouCut in Australia costs $30. I’ll check it out. Keep up the great and fascinating videos, Heather.

[@JCar-p3g]

Good day fellow treke. In sand or material alike lower the air pressure in your tires. If its soloy front or rear drive only lower the two tires that are propelled by the engine....

[@pleb_world]

You’re awesome ✨

[@genechronister7085]

Awesome vid! From topaz lake!

[@dancooper8551]

Drove by this lake many times but unfortunately never stopped to explore.

[@PGK357]

Your pronunciation of Nevada is absolutely heartbreaking

[@LetsGoGeo]

Strong use of the term “heartbreaking” given the many other applications of this word in our world. Do you have a specific story/reason that this pronunciation absolutely breaks your heart??

[@davec9244]

Thank you I have been there a few times it is getting worse. But maybe time and water will help. thank you, good job, hope you get unstuck!

[@LetsGoGeo]

I did!!! :)

[@havasuDon]

Good job Heather

[@lvhao5105]

Thank you. I live near Walker Lake.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Take an old rug/carpet with you Incase you get stuck in the sand

[@randyearles1634]

good video, informative. Kind of reminds me of the Salton Sea, a slowly dying body of water.

[@charleshenderson1174]

Thanks beautiful Heather.

[@sneville44]

This is a video version of a nicely done term paper. I’d grade it an “A” 🙂

[@LetsGoGeo]

Appreciate that feedback!

[@nonewherelistens1906]

I'm actually surprised that something is being done. In my few transits past this lake and region I noticed that much of the diverted water was being used to irrigate hay fields. This hay is animal feed, and in the west, mostly for beef cattle. I dare say that if Americans want to recover habitats like Walker Lake, they have to give up the beef habit. Reduced demand = less need for supply. You're welcome.

[@TheWeedTheJetRodriguez]

A lot of it is shipped overseas as well.

[@DisHammerhand]

Interesting place. I've gone by there with my family a few times. We joke about Hawthorne being the place to go during the zombie apocalypse. 😂

[@jameseroh6544]

I have been driving by Walker Lake for about 20 years now and then. My wife and I have recently camped there in our camper. But when driving by, I noticed the high water mark is above the road. But looking at all the signs for past water levels. It is ama,ing the lake is there at all.

[@ChrisCameron1958]

Just finished a biography on Joe Walker titled “Westering Man”. An excellent book that has inspired me to visit Walker Lake. One day!

[@LetsGoGeo]

Interesting! Learn anything particularly curious about the man and/or his excursions?

[@sfcmathews32]

I read once that the western U.S. is in a historically wet period. It's supposed to be MUCH drier, according to sediment samples and other cues.

[@krislarsen1224]

This is an Endorheic lake... it has no choice but to have hi solids content... Endorheic lakes have no outlet so the solids just build up naturally... it seems a little misleading if you don't mention that... the powers that be have altered Weber Reservoir so it holds more water... What the government considers "Full Pool" at Walker Lake is like 3916' above sea level as of late 2024 it is less than 20' below full pool... you really couldn't get more than 3970' MSL... Houses at that level.

[@TheWeedTheJetRodriguez]

"Full pool" is bare minimum for keeping fish alive... Bare, bare minimum. Yes, sediment always ends up at the bottom of a system like this, but sediment it exponentially increased by agricultural activities upstream while those activities simultaneously pull enough water from the river to deprive the lake of adequate inflows to sustain fish, which are an integral part of a living lake ecosystem. Videos like these distill facts for those who have a passing interest and if they have more interest, they might care to look further. But it is not "misleading" anymore than your own comment. Also, look at Weber's capacity compared to the two reservoirs upstream and tell me it is significantly contributing to the problem compared to commercial operations upstream growing hay to ship overseas.

[@sonofamountain2862]

Be aware of the swimming spiders in this lake.

[@jeffro7p202]

Those are at lake mead and mojave too

[@sonofamountain2862]

@@jeffro7p202 it was one of the weirdest ish I ever seen in my life,and they were not little either.

[@dethray1000]

they dont bite and eat the trillions of flies that hang out at the lake

[@Salted45]

$95M and counting to pour water on an ice age terminal lake is simple money laundering. Suggesting we stop growing food is Malthusian garbage. Ice age terminal lakes are doomed by definition. Look around, it's in good company. Great video. Love the channel!

[@chrisduvall3790]

Not sure if I’d go back. Feels real toxic. Dust too

[@einsteindrieu]

I saw a gold bell shaped ufo at that Lake !!! 🛸🛸

[@WestCoastBritish]

Cool show. I'm writing because yo got stuck! Im expert at this... Lower tire PSI to 15 in that sand and most likely drive right out. Best idea, STAY ON ROAD!~ :) I have an driving school i operate in NV, maybe we team up for a youtube trip ? I love exploring NV. Im OffRoadExperience Michael

[@hoofhearted5102]

Do you frequently surprise shart?

[@jr.6199]

@@WestCoastBritish you gotta raise the psi again, before you drive on the highway, no? ... isn't "carry boards" better advice?

[@WestCoastBritish]

Yes! This will get you out quick by adding "flotation" to add traction. Ramps are good IF you can get them down in the sand. You can get small air compressors to fit in glove box. Maybe you & I do a little class one day soon in NV? OffRoadExperience

[@WestCoastBritish]

Hi there, really I'm in NV often, be fun to do a class with you. What vehicle do you drive? I can come over 108 or 88. OffRoadExperience is me

[@TimT-um6rt]

If your still out in that area the end of next week,your welcome to camp on my turquiose claim ! Ill be there Mining about that time!

[@hoofhearted5102]

Oeyahiyou Walker woochoo dat salty toofa! I agree with volcano pumpkin quarter of tahoe?!?!

[@CiscoandPancho]

What about the Sheep, who cross to drink that? Is this why I don’t see many anymore?

[@ElmerFudd-y8b]

Can you free camp at Walker lake

[@dethray1000]

yes

[@nevadaminer5977]

Hopefully the lake wasn’t smelling too bad.

[@WaltBellona]

Living in Bishop the last 69 years we’ve watched it just get lower and lower and lower all that money it’s still lower🇺🇸🏴‍☠️😎

[@jaycee_9999]

That's not how Nevada is pronounced.

[@deevnn]

Shut up...

[@Goodjobeveryone]

Who cares? 😂😂😂

[@jaycee_9999]

@@Goodjobeveryone Because this video is about things that are true and correct?

[@Goodjobeveryone]

@@jaycee_9999 lol ok pronunciation police…🤣

[@jaycee_9999]

@@Goodjobeveryone This is NOT a case where you say "good job, everyone."

[@kevintalbot8341]

Why no talk of the military base? Lots of speculation about what goes on in there🤔🤔🤔😊

[@robertmongerthe9025]

Hawthorne is the US Army's largest explosives manufacturing and storage facility. It used to be the Navy's largest explosives etc. but the Navy got rid of their big guns. No mystery here. Just a whole s*"*load of high explosives.

[@chuckh.2227]

I heard the US Navy has a tunnel big enough for subs from the Pacific Ocean to Walker Lake That's all I can say

[@chrisduvall3790]

There’s spouse to be some alien type stuff under the lake too. Haha! But that’s wat they say

[@LaraSierra28]

"Ne-vah-dah": telltale sign you're not listening to a native westerner.

[@jr.6199]

@@LaraSierra28 who's really native anyway. Similarly, It's funny to me to hear people tell how their ancestors moved to the new place, had offspring who never move away and then offspring touts that as their own accomplishment like I'm 5th generation ______. I'd say the accomplishment belongs to the ancestor, who took the risk and went to new places, and yes they pronounce words differently, they are the true adventurers!

[@Missouri-rockhound]

Well, now being a Patreon for you, all that I can say is that I can say is that I can dig it! In a while, anyhow. I broke my femur in 4 places 6 weeks ago. Hard to do? Yeah, well, not for me! So, if you can, wait a few more months before I can help you with that kind of situation! Oh, bother ...

[@herbertfawcett7213]

The lake dried up once before about 5K years ago, was that because pf people?

[@TheWeedTheJetRodriguez]

You're talking about vastly different timescales here. The drastic decline over 100 years can be directly attributed to agricultural activity upstream including the installation of 2 reservoirs to be used for irrigation of... the desert. to grow hay. that goes to China.

[@daciefusjones8128]

I sure hope that the water they get is not irrigation tail water.

[@dethray1000]

not most but a lot why it is polluted and the military base on the south end did a lot of pollution

[@Tlo3434]

There is have UAP. Everybody will see soon.

[@Emprivan]

Too bad no one has the money to pipe/pump water from huricane flood zones into failing lakes in the west. I mean they would only need to conect to the colorado river. "If nature gives you floods, fill lakes with it" The year 2100 crowdfund slogan...

[@felzke440]

Check out the NAWAPA project. It's been in the works for many years.

[@dethray1000]

it would cost over a trillion dollars to do a very dumb idea like that--i do not want to waste my time trying to educate somebody with a very low low IQ--most water is used for ag use to turn desert into farming ground--80 percent of the coiorado river goes to calif for ag use

[@gordybishop2375]

Water desalination to fill up all these lakes but especially Salton Sea and Great Salt Lake

[@teemusid]

The Salton Sea was a human-caused mistake.

[@gordybishop2375]

As that may be true it’s dying out is a HUGE environmental catastrophe for humans breathing that dust. Many good documentaries about it,

[@dethray1000]

the great salt lake was way over filled in the 80ties,flooded homes,highways--for millions of years this has gone on ,feast and famine--until white humans got into the area nobody cared

[@beeamerica5024]

They're close enough to the ocean they could just go to desalinization wooden cost any more than they're spending already you guys going to Vegas while you're there 😄😁✌️👍

[@greghelton4668]

There are three major mountain ranges and hundreds of miles between the lake and the ocean.

[@dethray1000]

spend 500 billion dollars and get no benefit ---do you work for the goooovermint?

[@RobertWestfall-w3k]

It is a same how many don't no how to pronounce Nevada. Look it up

[@LetsGoGeo]

If we are to “look it up” we quickly discover the origin of the word is Spanish. En Español, the “a” is pronounced “ah” as in Casa, Blanca, and Tortilla.

[@grantsdad98]

Walker Lake = Aral Sea

[@hestheMaster]

Hope she got out of that rut.

[@WestCoastBritish]

Amazed that there are NO FISH in lake???? Y?

[@teemusid]

Rewatch the video. It was explained clearly.

[@dethray1000]

the pollution killed them all off

[@WestCoastBritish]

@@dethray1000 Thats' so sad. Too many people in Reni are now, Vegas is beyond help.

[@kevintruax5130]

if your gonna talk about nevada, learn how to say it!

[@LetsGoGeo]

I pronounced it the way it was named, from a Spanish origin.

[@captng]

Heather the pronunciation of nevada is not as you say..please

[@jr.6199]

Tow-may-tow Tow-ma-tow, please. At least she doesn't say "the Sierras"...

[@deevnn]

Don't care...but it shows your political persuasion. Get a life.

[@jr.6199]

@@deevnn how does pronunciation or interest in it, demonstrate political persuasion? Are you assuming there are only two types of people in the world? What type exists in Finland or Canada or... Every part of natural life is expressed on a spectrum, but that's just me, I'm a curious reader, a lifelong learner.

[@n164bj]

Please learn how to say Nevada

[@dethray1000]

a lot yahooos from other places back east talk like her yammering

[@nunyabizznizz7326]

might want to keep it down, california might get the bright idea to come take whats left of the water.....wouldnt be the first time....ssshhhhhh

[@dethray1000]

most of the water comes from california,from the sierras down the walker river--the farms along the river are taking most the water

[@jr.6199]

@@nunyabizznizz7326 I'll bet that anti-California rhetoric gets you in good with the regressives in your town...

[@deddie4645]

I'm a scientist that I'm working on a theory of how to blame continental drift on human caused......

[@jr.6199]

@@deddie4645 you've actually demonstrated how little you understand about science though...

[@YolandaPullman]

Omg she's annoyingly hyper. Not for me

[@LetsGoGeo]

😂 I do have a zest for life, learning, & the natural world!