Lake Powell revealed: timing is everything

In April, National Geographic magazine had a story on Glen Canyon, the basin of Lake Powell. As drought years drained the lake, the canyon’s dramatic red rock formations were revealed, along with Anasazi cave dwellings, Navajo artifacts, and inscriptions left by pioneers.

Though it may seem like the dry summer months would only further decrease water levels, the opposite is true. Snowfall runoff should increase water surface elevation between now and July, which is good news for boaters, but will cut down on the canyon viewing opportunities. The historic low from last year was 140 feet below full, the level as of early April was 111 feet, and the estimate for mid-July is 75 feet below full.

All of this means that timing is important this summer. Visitors interested in viewing the exposed portions of Glen Canyon will be better off going early or waiting until after the peak in mid-July. Boaters and fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the increased water levels during mid-summer.

During summer, events at Lake Powell offer more reasons to visit. Wine tastings, barbeques, fishing clinics and competitions, and a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks and a sustainable meats and organic vegetables barbeque are all part of this year’s line-up.