Death Valley, CA – Christmas cheer took a dark turn in Death Valley National Park, as a 65-hour power outage plunged the scorching desert into darkness and disrupted holiday plans for hundreds of visitors and residents.

Stranded in the Silence:

The outage, which began on December 23rd and finally ended Tuesday morning, crippled the park’s vital infrastructure. With pumps incapacitated, the park service struggled to supply water to its two major water systems, forcing them to truck water to maintain basic functionality. Hotels were left without power or heat, turning festive gatherings into chilly huddles. Restaurants were forced to adapt with limited menus due to lack of refrigeration and cooking equipment.

Communication Blackout:

Adding to the inconvenience, the outage also wiped out cell service in the park, isolating visitors and park staff alike. Eight electric vehicles stranded by depleted batteries had to be towed out, showcasing the unexpected challenges posed by an energy blackout in this remote oasis.

450 Affected, Resilience Highlighted:

While the outage impacted a relatively small population of around 450 residents and visitors, the stark disruption serves as a reminder of the park’s dependence on its fragile infrastructure. Park officials commended the resilience and adaptability of those affected, who handled the unexpected darkness with holiday spirit and resourcefulness.

Cause Unveiled?

The cause of the prolonged outage remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest it may have originated in an area outside the park boundaries.

Credits: Review Journal