(Lake Powell) Page, Ariz. – June 17, 2008 – Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, an ARAMARK-managed property, today announced that Castle Rock Cut (“Cut”), a well-known 12-mile shortcut on Lake Powell, has opened for the first time in more than five years. The Cut, which provides a much quicker passage from Wahweap Marina to popular uplake destinations such as Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay, became navigable to houseboats on June 10, and is expected to remain open indefinitely.
Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation illustrate the heaviest winter snowpack in the past eight years and as a result, lake levels at Lake Powell have been rising approximately one foot per day since mid-May. The Reclamation projects lake levels to reach an expected peak of roughly 3,638 feet by July. According to the Reclamation’s most recent analysis, the Castle Rock Cut is expected to remain open indefinitely.
“This is the best water year at Lake Powell since 2000, and it’s going to be an exceptional year for lake-based recreation—the finest in many years,” said Barry Wirth, spokesperson for the Reclamation. “As we predicted, Castle Rock Cut is already passable by boat and all indications show that even through the end of 2008, the Cut will be navigable.”
“This is turning out to be the best houseboating conditions we’ve had in many years,” said Don Potts, Vice President of Operations for Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. “The lake has already risen over 30 feet, and is expected to rise another 20 feet this season.”
With water levels on such a dramatic rise, visitors will be able to experience areas which have been inaccessible for a long time, explore deeper into canyons and access more beaches. In addition, the opening of Castle Rock Cut allows houseboaters and powerboaters to reach uplake destinations in less time using less gas, allowing them to spend even more of their vacation relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Lake Powell.
Please visit www.lakepowell.com/specials/ for current information and packages being offered at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
Editor’s Note: New high-resolution aerial photos of Castle Rock Cut pre- and postopening are available.
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, bluegreen 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/news. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.