ST. GEORGE —Glen Canyon National Recreation Area announced its launching of a new website that provides 24/7 information pertaining to Lake Powell’s fluctuating water levels and the status of water-based visitor services.
According to a press release issued by the National Park Service, information on this new webpage will be updated regularly. Visitors are encouraged to check it often for the most current information about launch ramps and actions to address lowering lake levels.
The news release asks the public to be aware that due to drought, lower water levels expected over the next several months will impact water access points and boat launch areas on Lake Powell. The park is maintaining boat launch access up-lake and down-lake with temporary ramp extensions and other measures as lake levels continue to drop but not all ramps will be open.
Boaters are advised to check the status of their preferred launch destinations before heading to the lake. To relieve launch ramp congestion, visitors are asked to prepare their boats at a nearby parking lot before driving to launch ramps. Passengers are prohibited from riding in a towed vessel.
While recreating on the lake, visitors should also exercise caution due to changing conditions. With lower water levels some channels and canyons on the lake will narrow requiring boat operators to be extra aware of their speed and proximity to other visitors.
The following Lake Powell launch ramps are open:
- Wahweap Main Ramp – Open
- Antelope Point Marina Business Ramp – Open (with valet fee)
- Bullfrog North Ramp – Open
- Bullfrog Main Ramp – Partially Open – Launching available on spur to the side of the main ramp via temporary ramp extensions that are 25 feet wide by 80 feet long
- Halls Crossing Main Ramp – Open
The following Lake Powell launch ramps are closed to motorized vessels, but open to non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards):
- Antelope Point Public Ramp
- Stateline Ramp
Owners of non-motorized watercraft are advised to clean, drain and dry their equipment to remove quagga mussels.
The following Lake Powell launch ramps are closed:
- Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp
- Hite Boat Ramp
- Utah Department of Transportation Bullfrog Ferry Ramp
- Halls Crossing Ferry Ramp
Colorado River Ramps:
- Lees Ferry – Open
- Hite North Wash Ramp – Open (with limited use only)
Due to significant wind damage, Dangling Rope Marina is closed, and no visitor services are available until further notice. Boaters are advised to plan accordingly before launching, as boat fuel is only available down-lake at Wahweap or Antelope Point Marina and up-lake at Bullfrog. The distance between the Wahweap area down-lake and the Bullfrog/Halls Crossing area up-lake is approximately 100 miles.
For boaters averaging 20 to 25 mph, the Wahweap to Bullfrog 100-mile trip takes at least four to five hours without stopping.
Visitors to Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, Utah, are advised that due to low water, the Charles Hall Ferry is closed until further notice. Drivers will need to utilize Utah State Routes 276 and 95 instead of the ferry.
When planning a trip, Glen Canyon visitors can expedite their arrival by purchasing their passes ahead of time online.
After departing the lake, visitors can speed up the Aquatic Invasive Species inspections for quagga mussels by cleaning and draining their vessels as they wait in line.
The park’s busy season is underway. Visitors are urged to recreate responsibly and to monitor changing weather conditions and lake levels. Always approach the shore with caution and watch for shallows and submerged debris. More safety information is available here online.
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