Here Are 4 Sinkholes in Northern California That Will Leave You Terrified of Earth

Are you standing on solid ground? One would like to think so. Watching the earth open up and swallow is like something out of a M. Night Shayamalan movie. A sinkhole happens when water erodes rock beneath the surface. Since limestone and bedrock are common in our neck of the woods, they happen. Plus, with our history of mining for gold, we still don’t know all the cavities that lie underground just waiting for the right moment to open up and suck in what sits above.

Here are a few you may not know about.

flickr/todd lappin

When the earth opens up like this, these guys from the water department have to be wondering, "What in the world!?" This occurred in 2007 in downtown San Francisco by Howard and First Street. Reports that the Loch Ness Monster may have been sighted leaving the scene are still to be confirmed.

flickr/amber porter

You're looking down 70 feet. Below is a huge sinkhole with a cave to the left. The Pacific Ocean finds its way through the 8ft tall and 25ft wide cave. Those who are brave (or plumb crazy) hike to the base below. Don't believe me? Look on Youtube for videos to "Little River Cemetery Sinkhole." You're welcome.

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flickr/john terning

The Monticello Dam Hole is lovingly nicknamed "The Glory Hole." I know this isn't a sinkhole, but it might as well be. It's the largest spillway in the world at 304ft deep. I can't imagine swimming around here when they drain the lake. Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County. When this giant-sized lake-drain is not in use, the bottom area is a favorite of skaters as their own private half pipe.

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flickr/nick fullerton

There are lots of other cities like Richmond here with hungry sinkholes. In the spring of 2010, a 30-foot sinkhole revealed itself and a car fell into it. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

The idea of spacious cavities and bottomless tunnels beneath our homes and feet can be terrifying. Being an area around so much water makes the potential for danger cause for concern. But, don’t let it keep you up at night. While they are a real thing, they’re nothing close to being like what some of the “other” states go through–like tornadoes and hurricanes. We’ll choose Northern California, sinkholes and all!

If we missed a sinkhole in your part of Northern California, make sure to share below!