In the United States, a lake mysteriously disappears every year: an unsolved mystery

It's a very strange phenomenon that occurs every year in Oregon, USA. A vast body of water disappears entirely.

The mysterious disappearance of this lake, located in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, has fascinated specialists for many years.

The water of the "Lost Lake" goes away, via a hole 1.80 metres deep, and then returns. Visually, this phenomenon is comparable to the water in a bath that drains after removing the plug, according to the website Ça m’intéresse. And it's once winter comes that the lake fills up again.

A phenomenon difficult to explain

According to Jude McHugh, the spokesperson for the national park in which Lost Lake is located, the filling occurs during the winter, with meltwater bringing in more water than it drains away, and the drying occurs during the transition from spring to summer. During this transition, a vast meadow replaces the body of water. McHugh also thinks that the lake's water is absorbed by porous rocks beneath the surface.

As reported by Ça m’intéresse, the geological structure of this Oregon lake can also explain this mystery. Lost Lake was formed about 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption, leaving a lava tube 2.7 metres in diameter.

But where does the water go?

When the lake was formed, the lava emerged from the ground and cooled upon contact with the air. And it is with the solidification of the lava that the tunnel took shape, allowing the water to flow. According to Jude McHugh, the tunnel collapsed and became a drainage hole. However, the precise destination of the water remains a mystery. Some scientists believe it could be supplying an underground aquifer.

A hole to fill?

To prevent the lake from emptying, several people have tried to fill the drainage hole, despite the illegality of their actions. Efforts have been in vain as Lost Lake always ends up emptying and refilling. Debris, car parts, all sorts of objects have been found by rangers in the hole. The park spokesperson therefore advises not to fill the lake, as the water could overflow and flood the surrounding area.

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: - Ça m’intéresse - Illustration: ©Unsplash)