Lake Powell Ferry Resumes Operations

[TrailScot]

The reopening of the Halls Crossing to Bullfrog ferry on Lake Powell after 3(?) years of closure is good news for travellers in the South-West

Halls Crossing to Bullfrog Ferry Resumes Operations - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

Halls Crossing to Bullfrog Ferry Resumes Operations

www.nps.gov

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It appears that the lake's water level has increased somewhat in the past year, from the all-time low-point (3,520') in April last year.
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These satellite photos show the visual difference that the 36' increase in water level made between 4/17/23 (3,522') and 4/16/24 (3,558').
(Image source: apps.sentinel-hub.com/)
(It should be noted that the level is only 2' higher between 7/2/23 (3,584') and 7/2/24 (3,586'))
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[fossana]

Curious when the sat photos are from month-wise b/c the water levels are roughly the same as last year at peak.
Gauge at Glen Canyon Dam


Also, the water levels are not directly correlated with precipitation, but rather dam releases. 2022/3 CO River headwater snowpack was much higher than this season's (~135% v. ~108%; purple and black lines below, respectively).

 

[James and Amy]

Best source I have found for historic Lake Powell pool level data: https://lakepowell.water-data.com/

Here are two screen shots of the current situation. Current lake level is 2.10 feet higher than 1 year ago on the same date.

 

[TrailScot]

Hi @fossana and @James and Amy,

Many thanks for your feedback on this.

In my clumsy attempt to illustrate the recent rise in the level of Lake Powell, from its all-time low last year, I inadvertently showed satellite images from April 2023 and June 2024, which is clearly not an 'apples to apples' comparison.

I should have used a direct 12-month comparison, as you both correctly point out. My apologies for that.

I have edited the original post accordingly.

 

[fossana]

Thanks for being conscientious, and sorry to be pushy on the data. I follow the CO River situation closely.

 

[fossana]

Speaking of Lake Powell, there's a new Landscape podcast interview with environmental journalist, Zak Podmore, on his new book about the future of Lake Powell, Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River. For those that missed the March Springdale lecture from the Returning Rapids Project, Zak covers their work in documenting the surprising recovery of ecosystems with the declining water levels.

 

[Janice]

Speaking of Lake Powell, there's a new Landscape podcast interview with environmental journalist, Zak Podmore, on his new book about the future of Lake Powell, Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River. For those that missed the March Springdale lecture from the Returning Rapids Project, Zak covers their work in documenting the surprising recovery of ecosystems with the declining water levels.

Thanks, @fossana - I listen to podcasts all the time and just listened. I enjoyed his descriptions, especially about all the plant life that has returned to the canyon.