Letter from the Superintendent
Lake Powell Water Access Update
Dear Partners:
Unprecedented snowpack in the Colorado Rockies has resulted in above average inflows to Lake Powell for the 2023 boating season. Increased access has occurred at four boat ramps and the boating bypass to the main channel called the Cut was useable for vessels departing from the Wahweap Marina for a short time. We celebrate the increase in water for the year, and we are proud of what we have accomplished with our many partners to maintain recreational access despite really challenging conditions over the past few years.
Looking ahead, we continue to focus on adapting to our water conditions at present while considering what water recreation and access to Lake Powell will look like in the future. We need to continue to prepare for futures where these low water conditions persist. Therefore, NPS is continuing its efforts to plan and design construction projects that help us adapt today and provide sustainable low-water access at several locations. These multiple parallel planning and design processes now have a boost with new additional Disaster Supplemental Funding which has been allocated to the NPS for this purpose. I wanted to share just a few thoughts on each area because you’ll be hearing much more from us and we’ll be seeking your input as we kick-off more detailed planning and design activities.
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: We’ll continue to advance the planning and design for a construction project which would lower this ramp to enable public water access for a variety of user groups. NPS has completed a new contract for planning that will engage the public and stakeholders on our preliminary research and various options for accomplishing public water access in this location. We’ll continue to be in close collaboration with the Navajo Nation on any proposed changes.
Hite: The newly added Disaster Supplemental Funding now enables us to rapidly advance the planning and design for a new river ramp access that will be more sustainable long-term. NPS has undertaken hydrology assessments that have identified feasible recommended locations for a sustainable primitive boat ramp that will also be more durable. We will also be engaging stakeholders and partners on these options to find the best value for this critical boat take-out supporting the river rafting experience and economy of Utah and Canyonlands National Park.
Dangling Rope: As previously communicated, low water infrastructure is not feasible at the former Dangling Rope location. We are now moving forward with contracting for the planning and design of an on-water Mid-Lake Fueling station that will support boaters seeking to navigate longer distances on Lake Powell. A contract has been secured to initiate the design process with a marine engineering company. As the project advances, we will be seeking public engagement and input in the planning process for this project.
Rainbow Bridge: Access has been restored to Rainbow Bridge for the summer season in July. 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.
Wahweap Investments: Plans are underway for a large-scale utility improvement project at Wahweap beginning in 2024. This utility project is funded from the Legacy Restoration Fund and will address water system improvements, sewer infrastructure and improve the utility operations for this complex. We are also planning for the continued extension of the Stateline Auxiliary ramp as needed and other marine support structures for servicing our visitors on the lake.
In Summary and Next steps
We are grateful to be in water in so many of our locations at present. Still, NPS will continue to advance efforts that improve our low-water sustainability including recreational access at multiple locations for future lower water scenarios. With new funding, we have engaged planning and engineering contractors to accelerate these planning and design efforts for the recreational access described above including Antelope Point, Rainbow Bridge, Hite, and Mid- Lake fueling. Please keep an eye out for the park’s weekly updates on operational changes and an update from my desk as we begin a new fiscal year in October. Invitations to engage through meetings and comments as these projects progress will be shared with all of you. Thank you for being amazing patient partners as we work through these extraordinary conditions!
Sincerely,
Michelle Kerns
Superintendent
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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 1507 (Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive), Page AZ 86040
If you have questions or comments or would like to be added or removed from this distribution, please email Mary_Plumb@nps.gov
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 1507 (Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive), Page AZ 86040