Bureau of Reclamation Projects Water Levels at Lake Powell to Rise, Castle Rock Cut Forecasted to Open by June 2008
PAGE, Ariz.--(Business Wire)--
Heavy snowfall in the West this winter is projected to have a
positive impact on water levels at Lake Powell, according to the
Bureau of Reclamation. Most significantly it means that by June or
earlier Castle Rock Cut, a popular shortcut on the lake, should be
open for the first time in more than five years.
Lake Powell's Castle Rock Cut shortcut requires a lake elevation
of about 3,620 feet for boats to pass through. As of March 13, 2008,
the estimated water surface level at Lake Powell was 3,588 feet above
sea level. According to the Reclamation's March projections, which use
the latest inflow forecasts from the National Weather Service, the
lake should reach an elevation of 3,634 feet by the end of June,
peaking in July at 3,640 feet. This leaves a buffer of about 10 to 15
feet for Castle Rock Cut to stay open through peak houseboating season
months.
"This winter has produced the best overall snowfall of the past
eight years, with snowpacks generally well above average as the spring
runoff period begins," said Barry Wirth of Reclamation. "This is
significant news for the entire Southwest region, including Lake
Powell, which is currently projected to rise about 50 feet over the
next four months."
The effect of a nine-year drought in the Southwest has kept Castle
Rock Cut impassable by boat since 2003, significantly impacting the
visitor experience on Lake Powell, widely known as American's favorite
houseboating destination. With the Castle Rock Cut open, a shorter and
safer passage becomes available, saving boaters about 12 miles of
travel between Wahweap Marina and popular uplake destinations like
Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. The
shortcut saves boaters time and money on fuel costs, and opens up new
areas for exploration and discovery on the lake.
"This is exciting news for houseboaters and visitors to Lake
Powell," said Dan Resmondo district manager of Lake Powell Resorts &
Marinas. "With the rising lake levels and the opening of Castle Rock
Cut, we guarantee 2008 will be one of the best and most memorable
houseboating seasons in years."
About Lake Powell
Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the U.S., is
located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National
Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular
shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major
canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches.
About Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat
rentals, lodging and scenic tours. For more information or to book a
houseboat vacation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com.
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized
concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National
Recreation Area.
ARAMARK
David Freireich, 215-238-4078
freireich-david@aramark.com
or
Allison & Partners
Amy Toosley, 619-533-7976
amy@allisonpr.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
