Despite A Rainy Summer In Utah, Lake Powell's Water Levels Are Actually Declining
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 05, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Lake Powell is one popular getaway destination in Utah and someplace I often recommend to out-of-state visitors who want to spend some time outdoors. This is the second largest reservoir in the entire country and a delightful place for boating and spending time on the water. For the past several years, Lake Powell’s water levels have been concerning as they have drastically dropped. In fact, they dipped to the lowest they have been since the 1960s. And with such a wet summer, many were expecting to see a big increase in these numbers but that is not quite the case.
Utah saw a wet summer, particularly during the month of August. Salt Lake City, for example, saw record-breaking numbers throughout the month and data shows that this was the sixth rainiest August recorded for the capital city.
However, all of the rain in Utah had little effect on Lake Powell. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation shows that Lake Powell's water levels have actually declined.
In mid-April 2023, the reservoir water level sat at approximately 3,520 feet. Due to the heavy snowmelt, by July, the reservoir rose to 3,584 feet. However, since then, water levels are once again decreasing and on August 22, 2023, the levels sat at 3,575 feet.
Fortunately, there is good news. Based on the current 2024 water forecast by the Bureau of Reclamation, it is projected that Lake Powell will end 2024 at approximately 3,595 feet, an increase from its current levels. However, there is much uncertainty about this estimation.
Either way, if you want a little sunshine, water, an adventure, plan a visit to Lake Powell. You can spend some time visiting Natural Bridges National Monument, which is Utah’s oldest national monument …
… or take the time to explore Reflection Canyon. This is just the start of activities to do in the area and no matter what you choose to do, this is one part of the state that is full of adventure.
For more information on Lake Powell and the surrounding area, visit the Bureau of Reclamation website.
Have you spent time at Lake Powell? What are some of your favorite things to do in the area? Let us know in the comments. And if you are planning to stay in the area, consider staying in a vacation rental.
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