Low Reservoir Reveals Glen Canyon Treasures: Photo Essay
Photos by GCI staff and Seth Arens
With Lake Powell approaching its seasonal low point before the Colorado River runoff begins, the reservoir dipped to its lowest point in 16 years. Making the most of the moment, GCI led a trip into the Escalante River drainage with USGS Scientists Scott Hynek and Casey Root as well as ecologist Seth Arens from Western Water Assessment to document some of the changing ecology and sediment of Glen Canyon.
While vast sections of Glen Canyon have been free from inundation for the past 15 years, there is a relatively small amount of data available on the ecological succession taking place, and overall patterns of sediment movement. This mission was a great opportunity to explore the new Escalante river delta as well as several other side canyons to collect data. Every piece of information we gathered will add to the knowledge base of Glen Canyon restoration and will help improve future management of the place.
Explore the photo story below.
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The Escalante Delta met the reservoir much earlier than expected. It was amazing to see water moving sediment and working a new channel through the landscape.
At the Escalante Delta, the USGS researchers performed tests and took samples of the fine sediment and the water.
After our excursion up the Escalante Delta, we spent the next two days going up Willow Gulch and 50 Mile Creek to better understand the ecological succession occurring in those canyons.
We were very optimistic to see cottonwood trees returning to areas that were once under 80 feet of water.
After our work in Willow and 50 Mile, we went to check in on an old friend: Cathedral in the Desert. At these water levels we knew the new floor would be out and we were happy to spend some time in one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring places in the world.
As always we found a variety of relics and ghosts from high water.
But, in general we were all amazed at the beauty of the place and left knowing that when given the chance these landscapes can restore themselves.
