Drought Led to the Drying Up of These 6 Iconic Waterfalls

Waterfalls are some of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena, often plunging to deep heights and creating breathtaking sprays. But what happens when there’s not enough water to sustain the flow?

Several famous waterfalls across the world have either completely dried up or are now flowing at a much weaker rate. This can severely impact local tourism and disrupt vital ecological processes that support the region’s plant and animal life.

"While some waterfalls are fed by springs, the majority rely on rainfall," says Adam Sawyer, an outdoor photographer and guide from the Pacific Northwest, author of "Hiking Waterfalls Oregon, Hiking Waterfalls Washington" and the upcoming "Hiking Waterfalls Idaho." "As regions experience diminished snowpacks and extreme, prolonged droughts, many waterfalls are dwindling to little more than faint trickles or completely drying up."

Climate change is often blamed for both devastating floods and extended droughts. The effects of reduced precipitation can take years to fully manifest, and by 2025, half of the world’s population may be living in areas facing water scarcity, as reported by the World Health Organization.

"Waterfalls are another example of a geological warning sign," Sawyer explains. "We hope to correct our path soon, but in the meantime, there's no better opportunity to experience these natural wonders and develop a greater understanding and respect for them."

Here are six iconic waterfalls that became mere trickles as drought took its toll.

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, began to dry up in 2019. The 0.62-mile (1-kilometer) waterfall, more than twice as tall and wide as Niagara Falls, typically has a flow of 3,569 feet (1,088 meters) per second, but it slowed to a trickle during the 2019 dry season, which runs from May to November in that region of Africa.

Some experts attribute the reduced flow to more frequent droughts and rising water temperatures, which in 2019 led to 115,443 gallons (437,000 liters) of water evaporating every second. The positive news — for the local tourism, wildlife, and downstream dams that provide electricity — is that the waterfall's near halt was likely temporary. Historical records from the Zambezi River Authority, which monitors the falls, show that Victoria Falls has not yet reached the low levels seen during the record drought of 1995 and 1996. By fall 2021, the falls were flowing again, though not at full capacity due to below-average rainfall.

2. Yosemite Falls, California

A striking image from August 2007 shows the completely dry ground where Yosemite Falls once cascaded 2,425 feet (739 meters) down to the valley floor. In 2021, this iconic waterfall once again dried up. Though no water is flowing over its granite cliffs at the moment, Yosemite Falls is expected to reclaim its former splendor as long as the upcoming winter brings sufficient rainfall.

In 2021, the winter snowpack in the region was significantly below normal, less than half the usual amount. Dylan Gallagher, the founder of White Wolf Private Tours and an expert on Yosemite hikes, explains, "Water was scarce in the late summer of 2021," adding, "Yosemite's waterfalls are directly influenced by the precipitation of the previous winter. Once winter ends, the condition of the falls in September becomes somewhat predictable."

3. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, has become a shadow of its former self. Situated on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana, Iguazu Falls was created by a volcanic eruption in prehistoric times. Stretching across 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) and featuring 275 distinct waterfalls, it once carried 459,090 cubic feet (13,000 cubic meters) of water per second, equivalent to the volume of five Olympic-size swimming pools. By the spring of 2020, however, its flow had diminished to 10,170 cubic feet (288 cubic meters) per second, setting a new low-water record that surpassed even the previous one from 2006.

4. Thalehaha Falls, Rubio Canyon, California

Located less than an hour from Los Angeles, Rubio Canyon is home to a series of waterfalls that reward determined hikers willing to navigate rough terrain. At an elevation of 2,371 feet (722 meters), Thalehaha Falls stands out as the main attraction, offering rugged beauty and distant views of Los Angeles. Dropping 80 feet (24 meters) to the canyon floor, the falls once drew so many visitors that a Swiss-style railway, the Mount Lowe Railway, was constructed in the late 1800s to carry passengers up the steep slopes. However, the railway was unprofitable, fell into disrepair, and was eventually abandoned. A similar fate befell a once-popular restaurant, pavilion, zoo, and hotels built for tourists drawn to the canyon. Today, rockslides have buried the lower section of Thalehaha Falls and several of its downstream waterfalls. Currently, the falls only flow briefly after heavy rains and remain dry for most of the year.

5. Le Saut du Doubs, Villers-Le-Lac, France/Switzerland

The year 2020 wasn't particularly kind to the Le Saut du Doubs waterfall. While the waterfall, which is the tallest along the France-Switzerland border, is accustomed to seasonal dips, it dried up nearly three weeks earlier than usual. This waterfall, which straddles both nations, is situated in a beautiful forested lakeside region that attracts visitors worldwide. However, due to an ongoing drought during the summer of 2020, it completely dried up for several weeks. A similar event took place in 2018, when the falls also temporarily ceased flowing.

6. Tis Abay/Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia

The iconic Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Abay, which means "great smoke" in Amharic, is located at the head of the Blue Nile River. This river is one of the two main tributaries feeding into the Nile, which flows through 11 countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Standing at 150 feet (45 meters), the falls generate an impressive mist and are a major tourist destination in Ethiopia. However, during the dry season between January and March, the falls either reduce to a trickle or completely stop flowing. The best time to visit is from August to October, during the peak rainy season, when the falls are at their most powerful. But this natural wonder is increasingly at the center of political and environmental tensions, especially as water from the Blue Nile is diverted to supply a hydroelectric dam, creating disputes between Ethiopia and neighboring countries such as Sudan and Egypt.

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