Tragic Collapse Of Double Arch In Utah’s Glen Canyon: What Happened?

National Park Service Rangers have confirmed the collapse of a well-known arch in Rock Creek Bay within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah. The “Double Arch” geologic feature, also colloquially known as the “Toilet Bowl,” “Crescent Pool,” and “Hole in the Roof,” fell on August 8, 2024. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the collapse.

Double Arch was a significant geological structure composed of 190-million-year-old Navajo sandstone, dating back to the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods. The fine-grained sandstone that formed the arch had been subjected to centuries of spalling and erosion caused by weather conditions, wind, and rain. These natural forces had slowly weakened the structure over time. The fluctuating water levels and erosive wave action in Lake Powell are believed to have played a key role in the eventual collapse of the arch.

In a press release, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns emphasized the importance of preserving the delicate geological features around Lake Powell. “This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell,” Kerns stated. “These features have a lifespan that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions. While we don’t know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy. Please enjoy our resources but leave no trace.”

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The loss of Double Arch is a significant reminder of the ongoing natural processes that shape and sometimes erase the landscapes that visitors cherish.