Lake Powell Opens More Areas For Visitor Use

Lake Powell in your plans for Independence Day activities? Well, if so, conditions continue to improve, and the water level continues to rise, although the levels are expected to peak sometime this month.

Starting this holiday weekend, the Wahweap Swim Beach has been relocated across from the Wahweap Campground and is available for park visitors. The previously designated area known as “Swim Beach” near the Wahweap Main Ramp has been closed due to its close proximity to the recently reopened boat ramp.

A half mile gravel road leads to the new swim area parking lot. There won't be any lifeguards there, so it will be swim at your own risk. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area recommends that all swimmers wear personal flotation devices and those devices are required for swimmer 12 tears old and younger anywhere in Lake Powell.

The spring runoff has raised water levels to the point that almost all Lake Powell boat ramps are operable for some kind of vessel, either motorized or paddlecraft.

At the end of June, the lake's elevation was 3583 feet above sea level and still rising. You can get current lake level information here, and get up to the date status of National Park Service boat ramps and marina services here.

People have been asking park officials about the status of the Castle Rock Cut, which is a shortcut that allows boaters to save time traveling from Wahweap Marina to destinations uplake. Castle Rock Cut was previously dredged to elevation of 3580.

Depending on the vessel, four to six feet of water is requires for safe navigation and two way traffic. Submerged rocks and other hazards may be present, so travel through the cut is at the risk of the boat owner, and the boat owner is liable for for self rescue, salvage and restoration of damage to the environment if problems occur.

And don't forget that all watercraft owners are required to clean, drain and dry their vessels, including paddlecraft, and all equipment prior to launching on any other body of water.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is in stage one fire restrictions. Campfires are allowed in established campgrounds within rings and below the high water on Lake Powell in area devoid of vegetation. Discharge of fireworks are always prohibited on all federal lands.

Visitors should expect congestion, and be cautious with a higher than normal concentration of boaters in all visitor use areas. The park reminds visitors to always wear a life jacket while operating or riding in watercraft. Make sure to have plenty of drinking water and be sure to stay hydrated.

The city of Page will be presenting a fireworks display at 9 p.m. on Independence Day at the Lake Powell National Golf Course.