Lake Powell's water levels have dropped to 24% of capacity due to decades of drought and overuse, revealing long-submerged canyonlands in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Scientists and advocates are documenting the reemerging ecosystems to inform water management decisions.
- Lake Powell is at 24% capacity, 172 feet below full pool. - Over 100,000 acres of rugged terrain have reemerged.
- Researchers are surveying aquatic insects, birds, and vegetation in the recovering canyons. - The Glen Canyon Institute advocates for draining the reservoir to restore the Colorado River's natural flow.
The reemergence of Glen Canyon provides a rare opportunity to study ecosystems that were flooded in the 1960s, but the future of these landscapes depends on upcoming decisions by Colorado River basin leaders.