This is the definition of a Vernal Pool: A vernal pool is seasonal pool that is present in the spring and dries up in late spring or summer. It doesn't have water in it again until winter rains recreate the pool. This makes it fundamentally different from a year-round lake. In particular, fish are absent, since they require year-round water. Some years, there is no water. No rain = no water.
Here, in Murrieta, we have a wonderful example, the Main Pool on the Mesa de Colorado. This is the largest and best vernal pool at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. It is one of the hikes Oden and I went on this week.
Here are some more photos of that hike:
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