Lake Powell

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Page 1 of 2

Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, is 186 miles long with more than 1,986 miles of shoreline. Though the dam was completed in 1963, it would take another 14 years to fill Lake Powell. Since then, Lake Powell has proven to be a premier attraction for millions of visitors from all over the world. For current lake and river information click here.

Wahweap Marina

Before the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, these remote rugged canyons were a discouraging barrier to the early pioneers and explorers. Today, Lake Powell winds its way through this desert paradise with excellent views of balancing rocks, pinnacles, buttes, arches and amphitheaters. The combination of clear skies, crystal clear water and red sandstone rock formations makes this national recreation area an ideal place for the outdoor enthusiast. Lake Powell is more than just a fantastic recreation area. Awesome in its dimensions and complexity, its desolate beauty makes it an experience never to be forgotten.

Sunrise at Lake Powell

The water that flows into Lake Powell comes from snow melt in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. This snow melt gathers into the Green, Colorado, Dirty Devil, Escalante, and San Juan Rivers, which empty into Lake Powell. For the past few years, not enough snow fell in the high country, so the rivers were not as strong, and Lake Powell did not receive as much water.

Lake Powell is projected to intersect critical thresholds by mid‑2026, with hydropower at risk and emergency operations plausible under drier conditions.

According to forecasts, Lake Powell could fall below 3,525 ft as early as April 2026 in the most probable scenario—this threshold would trigger emergency drought response operations .
In a drier scenario, elevations could drop below 3,490 ft by December 2026, which would lead to hydropower generation ceasing entirely at Glen Canyon Dam .

📊 Year-end estimates

Under the most probable scenario, the January 1, 2026 elevation is projected at 3,534.4 ft, with storage in the Mid-Elevation Release Tier releasing 7.48 MAF during WY 2026 .
Monthly projections for WY 2026 inflow: most probable ~8.00 MAF, minimum and maximum bracket uncertain but notably lower or higher respectively .

🧠 Broader Context: Climate & Basin Conditions

The Colorado River Basin continues to face a “megadrought” dating back nearly 25 years. Climate warming and persistent low snowpack have suppressed flows by about 13% over the long term .
Groundwater depletion has surged—nearly 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater lost since 2003 across the region

Alerts in Effect

Boaters and swimmers should be aware that rocks that may have been completely submerged last season may now be exposed or just under the water surface. Additionally, access to many of the lake's smaller side canyons may be more difficult due to low water. Maintain a sharp lookout, even in the main channel. If you're travelling into unfamiliar territory or simply can't tell what's under the water -- slow down. On the bright side, there should be plenty of sandy beach exposed for those camping on Lake Powell.

Lake Powell houseboating and fishing

There are six marinas on Lake Powell, five of them with launch ramps. Lodging and boating services are provided year-round at these developed areas on Lake Powell, except Dangling Rope. Be sure to take the boat trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It's an easy, fun way to see Lake Powell -- just sit back and relax. The hike from the courtesy docks at the Rainbow Bridge is approximately 2.5 miles round-trip. Wear good footwear and take plenty of food and water.

More ....on page 2 - The Marinas

Overview - Map - Description - Camping/Lodging

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