Changing Lake Levels

 

Left image
Kayakers scramble down Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp in March 2021
Credit: NPS

Right image
By August 2022, the view of the ramp is dramatically different looking up from the water
Credit: NPS

 

Glen Canyon is home to dynamic and constantly changing landscape.

Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powell’s shoreline. Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.

• Significant changes to the shoreline will affect usability of boat launch ramps throughout the year, especially in warmer months. We ask visitors to plan ahead and prepare for longer lines, limited parking and congestion at boat ramps and docks. To relieve launch ramp congestion, please ready your boat at a nearby parking lot before driving to launch ramps. View the current status of your preferred launch destination before heading to the lake.
• On Lake Powell, boaters should be aware that as water levels drop, channels may narrow leading to increased boat congestion. Boaters should exercise caution in all areas of Lake Powell. Availability of restrooms, floating walkways, pump out, fuel and convenient stations may vary. View the current status of on-lake facilities.

There are many new places to explore as water levels change, and the scenic shoreline is always evolving. Check current lake levels to plan ahead and prepare for your visit to Glen Canyon. Learn more about boating safety and make every trip to Lake Powell a safe and enjoyable one.

For real time lake level information, view the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado River HydroData. To learn more about the Upper Colorado River Basin and the operations of Glen Canyon Dam, including the 2023 water year predictions, visit the Bureau of Reclamation's website.

 

Lake Powell Elevation (3/23/2023)

3521.40 ft

 

Low water effects to launch ramps and services

Location	Availability			More Information
	Houseboats	Small Motorized Vessels	Non- Motorized Vessels
Wahweap Main Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Available	Closed to motorized vessels. Available for Commercial paddlecraft launching only. Beginning May 1, 2023, when winter season ends, private paddlecraft access will return to the Wahweap Main Ramp. Please follow the parking guidance provided on signage at this location. Swim beach has been relocated west of this ramp.
Wahweap Auxiliary Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable	Ramp closed to all vessels.
Wahweap Stateline Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Ramp closed to launch/retrieval of motorized vessels. Drive halfway down the ramp to access the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp.
Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Available	Open to all vessels November 15, 2022 through May 1, 2023. Prepare all boats in the Stateline Main Ramp parking lot before accessing the auxiliary ramp. At least one lane will remain open during ongoing construction. Beginning May 1, 2023, all paddlecraft will need to use Wahweap Main Ramp.
Castle Rock Cut	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable	Unable to navigate.
Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Available	Public Ramp closed to motorized vessels. Available for paddlecraft launching only. Extension not possible due to topography. Switchback in place to remedy steepness of access to the marina.
Antelope Point Business Ramp	Inoperable	Unknown	Unknown	Services unavailable. Contact the valet services for more information about when vessels can be accommodated.
Halls Crossing Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Closed to motorized vessels. Available for paddlecraft launching only. Extension not possible due to topography.
UDOT Ferry and Launch Ramps	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable	Ramps closed. More information regarding the Lake Powell Ferry provided by UDOT.
Bullfrog North Launch Ramp	Unavailable	Available	Available	Operational for smaller vessels with use of boilerplate extenions. View flow of traffic and area map. A courtesy dock is available at the ramp.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Ramp inoperable to all motorized vessels.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable	Closed due to rising lake levels.
Stanton Creek Primitive Area	Inoperable	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Primitive rock and sand beach. Launch area is inoperable. Launch at your own risk
Hite Ramp	Inoperable	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Hite Launch Ramp out of water.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument	Inoperable	Approach at own risk	Approach at own risk	The dock system and its restroom have been moved to deeper water and are no longer connected to the Rainbow Bridge trail shoreline. Small vessels can beach at the shoreline; however, it is at your own risk. Hiking permits around Navajo Mountain from Navajo Parks & Recreation.

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Pursuing Long-Term Low Water Solutions

In 2022, the park received $26M Disaster Supplemental Funding, which was prioritized by NPS for North Lake Powell access. Design work is proceeding for a North Lake Powell ramp that reaches elevation 3450 ft., in the Stanton Creek area.

Moving forward, the park will be working with a contractor to also develop schematic designs for the Antelope Point Public Ramp, Halls Crossing Public Ramp, and a primitive ramp and takeout area at Hite while the park continues to seek the funding necessary for potential construction.

We will also continue to seek funds to explore new options for mid-lake essential services (including fuel) to replace the services previously offered at Dangling Rope Marina, a long-term solution for lake access to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and a Navigable Waterway Congestion Study in South Lake Powell. 

 

 

Changing lake levels has left this floating restroom stranded on rock.
The bathroom, once located near Dominguez Butte has been moved to deeper water as of June 2021.

NPS