Lake Powell fell to its lowest water levels this winter, but after record snowpack this season, the reservoir is beginning to rise rapidly as a result of spring runoff.
One great side-effect of runoff is that Southern Utah’s Lake Powell rises to the benefit of water users and recreators all over the area. Park officials said the Bullfrog North Boat Ramp became operable again at about 3,529.5 feet elevation, which the reservoir reached over the weekend.
As of Thursday afternoon, the elevation has now risen to 3,534.97 feet.
Lake Powell reached its lowest water levels ever just a few months ago in February at 3,521.95 feet. This was a huge concern because at 3,490 feet Lake Powell would stop producing hydropower. And at 3,370 feet it would cut off water in parts of Arizona, Nevada and California altogether. Fortunately levels have now risen 13 feet since February, and they are expected to rise more.
Lake Powell Expected to Rise over 60 Feet
Lake Powell is expected to rise to 3,590 feet by June. More ramps will be available throughout the summer before the reservoir is dropped to 3,573.47 feet after the Bureau of Reclamation sends more water down the Colorado River to the lower basin states.
Many more ramps are expected to open later in the season, but currently, there are only two available for all vessels.
Apparently the reservoir needs to rise only about five more feet to 3,540 feet for the Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp and the Antelope Point Marina Business Ramp become operable for boats. As a result of this year’s runoff, some boat touring companies told KSL TV this could be their best year in 20 years.
You can find more information about the water levels and boat ramps here.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: The Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp at Lake Powell looks dramatically different this year than it did in 2021. The water has risen so that the white curbs at the end of the ramp are hardly visible. Courtesy NPS.