Changing Lake Levels

 

Left image
Lone Rock surrounded by campers and vehicles parked in the sand amidst a superbloom of desert evening primrose on April 29, 2023. Lake elevation 3524.50'.
Credit: NPS

Right image
June 21, 2023. Lone Rock is once again a beach, surrounded by water and some vehicles parked on the beach to the right. Lake elevation 3579.22'.
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 change, 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 below.

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 24-month predictions, visit the Bureau of Reclamation's website.

Lake Powell Current Water Level

 

Lake Powell Elevation (9/09/2024)

3580.10 ft

 

Lake Level Effects to Launch Ramps and Services

Location	Availability			More Information
		Houseboats	Small Motorized Vessels		Non-motorized Vessels
Wahweap Main Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Unavailable	Open to all motorized vessels. Closed to paddlecraft.
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. Open to paddlecraft only. Closed intermittently for vessel salvage equipment staging.
Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Unavailable	Open to motorized vessels. Prepare all boats in the Stateline Main Ramp parking lot before accessing the auxiliary ramp.
Castle Rock Cut	Navigate at your own risk	Navigate at your own risk	Navigate at your own risk	Navigable for all vessels at elevation 3583' and above.
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	Available	Available	Available	This ramp is open for all vessels, including houseboats. Interested customers should contact Antelope Point Valet Services to inquire about their specific vessel(s), 928 645-5900 ext. 5032.
Halls Crossing Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Available	Open to all vessels.
UDOT Ferry and Launch Ramps	Inoperable	Inoperable	Inoperable	Ramps closed. More information regarding the Lake Powell Ferry provided by UDOT.
Bullfrog North Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Available	Open to all vessels. View flow of traffic and area map. A courtesy dock is available at the ramp.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp	Available	Available	Available	Open to all vessels. Prepare your boats at the Bullfrog Visitor Center parking lot and the Old Marina Store asphalt parking lot.
Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur	Inoperable	Launch at own risk	Launch at own risk	Open to all vessels up to 25ft.
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	Unavailable	Hite Launch Ramp out of water. Lake Powell does not reach Hite at this time. The road to Hite from Hwy 95 is closed.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument	Available	Available	Available	Floating docks, walkways, and restrooms have been re-anchored at the back of the canyon providing access to the Rainbow Bridge trail. Approximately 1.2-mile hike to the observation area at the bridge. Concession operated boat tours may be available. Hiking permits around Navajo Mountain from Navajo Parks & Recreation.

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Lake Powell Water Access Update from the Superintendent May 2024

Summer season has arrived at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area! Our temporary staff have arrived just in time to help meet the needs of the many visitors traveling to our area. While it never slows down at Glen Canyon, we do notice the increased traffic on our roads.  

Preparing for the summer season always includes words of advice. Please recreate responsibly. Drowning deaths at Lake Powell are preventable and are typically associated with drugs or alcohol, and not wearing lifejackets. Please consider your safety and those of our first responders when making those choices on the water. We want everyone to go home safe at the end of a vacation. I am sure your loved ones do too.

Our water access projects are now advancing with the award of a design contract for the sustainable takeout ramp at Hite for Cataract Canyon river trips, and the Antelope Point Public Ramp. Engineers will be on the water in May to investigate a location for placement of a midlake fuel station.

The park is also undertaking a joint planning process in partnership with Canyonlands National Park for the management of the Colorado River in our northern area. As the region faces impacts of climate change the timing could not be better for discussing what future conditions we may be facing. I am pleased we are working together for the long-term management of this stunning resource. The wild places we manage are world class.

Sincerely,  
Michelle Kerns 
Superintendent

Bullfrog Launch Ramps

One of our first larger projects planned in this location was a project for a low boat ramp at Bullfrog Stanton Creek. The Bullfrog Stanton Creek location offers lower elevation ramp possibilities. With the updated Bureau of Reclamation target elevation commitment for Lake Powell at an elevation of 3525 and existing Bullfrog ramps already providing access as low as 3519, an investment in that Bullfrog Stanton Creek ramp is not as urgent currently. The design and costing work we have done with that project may still be useful in the future so it is an option we have in our back pocket for lower water levels should they be forecasted again. We have not stopped evaluating and pursuing federal and state grant opportunities (in collaboration with the state of Utah) to resume ferry access in this area. 

Antelope Point Public Ramp

This ramp is currently open to paddlecraft only. Planning and design continues for a construction project which would extend this ramp to enable public water access for a variety of user groups. The Park is working with the Navajo Nation to determine the preferred design option. The contractor will finalize this work into a report for the park to move the project to schematic design next. The park received FY 23 disaster supplemental funding for this project. This funding will cover design to construction of this project.

Hite / Colorado River Takeout

A contracted survey has begun at Hite, which will support the development of a new takeout for trips through Cataract Canyon. This survey will be used to obtain data to support environmental approvals and solicitation for future construction as funding becomes available. Completion of the survey is targeted for Fall/Winter 2024.

Midlake Fuel Station

The midlake fuel station project and the Rainbow Bridge National Monument boater access improvement project design contracts have been awarded and site visits are scheduled for mid-May.

Rainbow Bridge

Access has been restored to Rainbow Bridge for the summer season in July 2023. Infrastructure has been relocated to support visitation and boat tours to this popular destination on Lake Powell. Concession-operated boat tours are resuming. 

We are also moving forward with long-term planning for access infrastructure that will have features and functionality that will support water visitation to Rainbow Bridge National Monument at lower water elevations. On August 8, 2023, the NPS Denver Service Center issued a solicitation for architect and engineering services to relocate and rehabilitate the Rainbow Bridge floating walkways and anchor system.

Wahweap Investments

Progress continues on our Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) projects for the Wahweap and Lone Rock water and wastewater systems.

Phase I addresses wastewater facilities by repairing or rehabilitating lift stations and sewer mains, upgrading a web-based monitoring and controls program for utility systems, and replacing the sewer main across the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge.

Phase I is currently in the solicitation process. We anticipate it to be under contract in late 2024 for the remaining design effort and construction effort.

Phase II addresses water facilities by constructing a new water well, water treatment plant, water storage tanks, and upgrades to the water distribution system. Phase II is currently in the pre-design phase. 

 

 

 

Recreate Safely at Lake Powell

• 

  Lake Recreational Water Advisory

  Take care of yourself when you recreate on the beaches or in the waters of Lake Powell.

• 

  Boating

  Lake Powell is a premier location for boating opportunities, whether in a luxury houseboat or small fishing skiff.

• 

  Houseboat Staking

  How should I properly anchor my houseboat on Lake Powell? Why can't I use stakes?