Down but not out.

While it is true that water levels at Lake Powell in 2004 hit the lowest level since 1969 when the dam was only six years old and the lake was filling for the first time, it is not true that lower lake levels have diminished recreation opportunities.

Besides, water levels once again are on the rise.

Some would argue the lower water levels caused by a multi-year western drought actually enhanced recreation opportunities.

Even at the low water mark of 33% live pool capacity reached on April 8, 2005, the lake was more than 300 feet deep.

Since then, the water has deepened. With 2005 inflows 105% of average, the lake level rose 31 feet. Based on 2006 projections, the water level is expected to increase another 30 feet or so this year. That will take it to a point 75 feet below capacity.

Everybody is glad to see water levels rising, but there are actually some recreational advantages to low lake levels. Here are but a few:

• Hiking and exploring areas that haven’t been seen in more than 30 years.
  For example, some boaters, when the water fell, were lucky enough to see at least part of the famous waterfall in Halls Creek Bay that highlighted Cathedral in the Desert, a famous Glen Canyon landmark.
• Large, sandy beaches are uncovered making great camping for boats or tents.
• Small watercraft have far more nooks and crannies to discover and explore.
• The fishing is improved.

With constant talk about how far water levels have dropped, it’s easy to lose sight of just how huge Lake Powell remains.

Consider that at a lake elevation of 3,589 feet -- 110 feet below capacity -- the water is still 450 feet deep at the dam. That’s plenty of water for all kinds of recreation.

It took 17 years to fill Lake Powell. The lake is 186 miles long and has 1,986 miles of shoreline. There’s a prime campsite waiting for you somewhere in that nearly 2,000 miles of shore.

For the 2006 season, the following facility and service updates have been announced.

• Waheap / Stateline launch – Waheap Main Ramp is open with concrete surfaces. Stateline Ramp is open with concrete surfaces. The pump-outs at Wahweap and Stateline are open. Boat and land-based fuels are available. The Wahweap Lodge is open for overnight guests and the Rainbow Room restaurant is serving.
• Antelope Point – Antelope Point public launch ramp is open with concrete surfaces for park visitors to launch their own vessels. Antelope Point, Navajo Launch Ramp is open. Fuel is available at the marina and a fuel dock store is open.
• Dangling Rope – Fuel and pump-out services available. The Dangling Rope store and snack bar are open.
• Bullfrog – Bullfrog Main Ramp is open with concrete surface to the water’s edge. The Bullfrog pump-out is operational. Boat and auto fuel available. The Lake Powell Ferry between Bullfrog and Halls Crossing is in service from Hobie Cat Beach. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ferry service may be temporarily suspended during windy conditions.
• Lone Rock Beach – Lone Rock is open for vehicle-accessible camping and day use.
• Hite – At current lake levels, there are no marina facilities or public launch ramp. A dirt takeout for river rafters has been developed on the west side of the river. This is a primitive road and requires four-wheel-drive to access the river. All water-based marina facilities have been relocated to marina areas downstream. Pay-at-the-pump fuel is available with limited groceries in the store. Hite has a National Park Service Ranger station and primitive camping area, but the camping is not accessible to Lake Powell.