Iconic ‘Glory Hole’ Spillway Roars Back to Life at Lake Berryessa for First Time in 6 Years
A rare sight is drawing crowds in the North Bay as Lake Berryessa’s iconic “glory hole” spillway has become active for the first time in six years. This unusual spillway, officially known as the glory hole, has captured global attention due to its mesmerizing appearance when overflowing.
The activation signals excellent news for Northern California’s water supply, indicating a particularly wet winter season. Water levels have risen significantly, filling Lake Berryessa to capacity. The spillway, designed due to limited space at Monticello Reservoir, channels water through a dramatic 70-foot diameter drain before making a sharp turn and cascading into the creek below.
The last activations occurred in 2017 and 2019, with the 2017 event drawing viral attention worldwide, accumulating millions of views online.
The glory hole’s activation began on February 4 this year, peaking around Valentine’s Day when water levels approached 443 feet. Lake Berryessa, created by the Monticello Dam completed in 1957, now supplies water to approximately half a million residents in Solano County. For visitors and locals alike, witnessing the spillway in action remains an extraordinary and captivating experience.
