Robinson,
Playa lakes are sometimes called "buffalo wallers". Rumor has it that they were caused by buffaloes wallowing in them to get mud on them. They are shallow but retain water, when it rains, and become important this time of year when geese and ducks migrate. They are enviromentally sensitive area and can be a curse for a land owner trying to do anything around them.

In Dog Beers, I've had one.