Low Water Update
February 10, 2023
Dear Partners:
The park is pleased to announce boat ramps remain operable in north Lake Powell at the Bullfrog North Ramp and in south Lake Powell at the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp. The lake level as of February 10 was 3522.1 feet (above sea level).
1. North Lake Powell - Bullfrog North Ramp Operations: Additional boiler plate materials have been placed to extend motorized vessel access on the south side of the ramp for small, motorized vessels. The ramp became inoperable to houseboats and larger vessels when lake levels reached 3529 feet (above sea level). The park will be monitoring this ramp as water levels change. Signs are posted "launch at your own risk.” The north side of the ramp is barricaded and hard closed. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for launching small vessels.
2. South Lake Powell – Stateline Auxiliary Ramp: This ramp remains operable 24/7 to motorized vessels of all sizes. The park has installed boiler plate material. The park is working with Aramark to extend the ramp once the water level recedes enough to be able to pour concrete. As was done last season during construction activities, the ramp will provide 24/7 access on boiler plates on one side of the ramp, while concrete is poured on the other side. When the new concrete has cured, access will rotate to the other side. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the park believes the bathymetry at this ramp will ensure sustainable, long-term motorized vessel access to south Lake Powell. The Stateline Auxiliary ramp is open for paddle craft users until May 1, 2023.
3. North Wash Primitive Ramp: Conditions at North Wash Ramp were recently reviewed and the primitive ramp is deteriorating rapidly. Prior to historic low water levels in Lake Powell, the North Wash Primitive Ramp was deemed unstainable by multiple hydrologists due to the dynamic hydrology of the Colorado River in this location. No additional work will be conducted in this area for the 2023 boating season. Rafters are advised to use the Bullfrog North Ramp downstream.
4. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Information: BOR Projections can be viewed here: https://www.usbr.gov/.../rive.../crss-5year-projections.html (BOR provides monthly updates of Lake Powell elevation projections.) Information is also available on BOR Facebook: Log in or sign up to view
Due to the complex mix of factors that affect Lake Powell’s water levels, Lake Powell boaters are asked to please be aware that it will not be known when the lake reaches a certain water level until it occurs. Information about Lake Powell marina services and water level statistics are available 24/7 at this website: Changing Lake Levels - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service). Before heading to the lake, boaters should check the park’s website for the status of their preferred launch/retrieval destination. Information is also available at this link LAKE POWELL AT GLEN CANYON DAM, AZ - USGS Water Data for the Nation
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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