Lake Powell Water Level Could Be Up 50 Feet

The Associated Press is reporting that snowmelt runoff could raise the water level at Lake Powell by 50 feet.

The water level increase is notable for the lake, which is at about half its potential capacity.

If it rises 50 feet, an important shortcut could be reopened allowing boaters to take advantage of the Castle Rock cut, allowing boats to cut a dozen miles off a trip from Wahweap marina to some of the more popular beaches and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

A decade-long drought has seen the water level at Lake Powell falling leaving the tell-tale bathtub ring on the sandstone walls of the canyons.

Scientists, however, say one good year of runoff won't erase the drought.