Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is pleased to announce that due to a high snowpack, a higher spring runoff is expected to affect Lake Powell water levels for the 2023 boating season. Lake Powell’s water levels are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). Based on current BOR projections for higher water levels over the next several months, Lake Powell has a greater than 90% chance for above average water levels this year. (For more information about the April 2023, 24-Month Study Projections, please visit: 24-Month Study | Upper Colorado Basin | Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov) or BOR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloradoriverbasin)  Water access points and boat launch areas managed by the National Park Service on Lake Powell will be affected. 

The following Lake Powell launch ramps are open:  

 

South Lake Powell, (located near Page, Ariz.): 

• Stateline Auxiliary Ramp is open to all motorized vessels and paddlecraft. Beginning May 1, this ramp will be closed to paddlecraft.  
• Wahweap Main Ramp: Beginning May 1, Wahweap Main is the only designated access point at Wahweap for paddlecraft.  
• Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp is available for paddlecraft only.

North Lake Powell, (Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, UT): 

• Bullfrog North Ramp is open to small, motorized watercraft and is closed on the north side of the ramp.  
• Halls Crossing Public Ramp is open to paddlecraft only.

As Lake Powell’s water levels rise, the park plans to reopen the following launch ramps when the estimated lake elevations are reached (all elevations are feet, above sea level):  

South Lake Powell, (located near Page, Ariz.):  

• Antelope Point Marina Business Ramp – all vessels ~ 3540’ 
• Wahweap Main – all motorized vessels ~ 3546’ 
• Stateline – all non-motorized vessels ~ 3564’  
• Antelope Point Public – all non-motorized vessels ~ 3588’  

North Lake Powell, (Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, UT) 

• Bullfrog North Ramp – to include larger vessels and houseboats ~ 3529’ 
• Bullfrog Spur – all vessels up to 25ft ~ 3540’ 
• Halls Crossing Public – use at your own risk ~ 3556’ 
• Bullfrog Main – all vessels ~ 3578’

Please be aware that due to many dynamic factors affecting Lake Powell’s water elevations, it is not possible to know when a specific water level will be reached. The park is monitoring changing water levels and when conditions allow will adjust visitor services. Please be sure to check the park’s Changing Lake Levels webpage for the status of lake levels and all Lake Powell boat ramps, prior to the heading to the lake. (Information is available 24/7 at this link: https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/changing-lake-levels.htm.).  According to this webpage, Lake Powell's elevation on April 27 was 3523.80. Lake Powell's daily elevations are also posted on this webpage: LAKE POWELL AT GLEN CANYON DAM, AZ - USGS Water Data for the Nation  

Visitors to Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, Utah are advised that the Utah Department of Transportation will not reopen the Charles Hall Ferry in 2023. Drivers will need to utilize Utah State Routes 276 and 95 instead of the ferry. 

To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, all boats departing Lake Powell require an inspection.  We ask that watercraft users continue to be patient as our staff work to meet the inspection and decontamination requirements at Lake Powell during the boating season.  

For further information: https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/nature/mussel-update.htm.   

Use caution when anchoring your vessel or parking your vehicle, since during spring runoff lake levels can rise up to two feet per day. Always approach the shore with caution and watch for shallows and submerged debris. More safety information is available here: Safety - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov); and here: Ten Things You Need To Know Before You Boat. Please follow Leave No Trace principles.    

A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. Prior to visiting, visitors are encouraged to become aware of current alerts available here: Alerts & Conditions - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)   

If you would like to be added to the distribution list to directly receive news releases or emails about Lake Powell’s changing lake levels and the status of visitor services, please contact GLCA_media@nps.gov.  

The park wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe boating experience in 2023!

Original source can be found here.