Where does water in a playa go after a flood?

After a flood, water in a playa primarily leaves the basin through evaporation. As the ponded floodwater gradually evaporates, it leaves behind deposits of silt, clay, and salts.1

In some cases, the water may also interact with the water table, where fluctuations can lead to the dissolution of thick, soluble salt crusts. While surface water is lost to evaporation, groundwater flow can continue to supply moisture to the lowest portions of the basin, sometimes allowing moist areas to persist even when the surface appears dry.21