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PAGE, Ariz. — The National Park Service explained Thursday that Dangling Rope Marina at Lake Powell is no longer sustainable due to declining water levels.
A letter Thursday from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kearns explained what she called "hard unavoidable decisions" not to open the marina again after it was shuttered in 2022.
"The water depth in the Dangling Rope cove can no longer support a marina," Kearns wrote. "With the water level lower, access is cut off and emerging rock features are a safety hazard."
Dangling Rope, a fuel and restroom station mid-lake, not far from Rainbow Bridge National Monument, was established in 1984, following Lake Powell's all-time peak level in 1983, more than 3,700 feet above sea level. It was only accessible by water or air. On Thursday, the lake was at 3,578 feet above sea level after two excellent water years in Utah.
The marina was the only option to get fuel between down-lake Wahweap/Antelope Point marinas and the up-lake Bullfrong/Halls Crossing marinas, a boating distance of approximately 100 miles.
"We know how important mid-lake fuel is, and NPS has been working hard to find an alternative way to provide mid-lake fuel to boaters. We are planning a mid-lake fuel service station that will be operational at low water and not dependent on support systems from a fixed, land-based station," Kearns said.
Congress authorized funding support for the new fuel station in the 2023 budget. The National Park Service, as part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages the area. It awarded a contract to a marine engineering firm to design the new station. The design has not yet been completed. Thursday's letter said when the design concepts are delivered, an evaluation process will begin to ensure a "long-lasting mid-lake fueling station that will serve us well in the future" is built.
History of Dangling Rope
According to the letter, the park service planned to upgrade the electrical system that serviced Dangling Rope in 2016, including three high-voltage cables that had to be extended or retracted as the marina changed with falling or rising water levels. An upgrade was required to meet the code, and a $3 million project was started in 2017, but additional funding needs pushed the cost to $5 million, with much of the cost increase coming during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to worker shortages and supply chain issues.
While work was underway, park staff were alerted that the sewage lift station separated from the marina dock and sunk. In the fall of 2020 the station was recovered and removed without a major environmental spill.
"In May 2021, a severe microburst storm caused extensive damage to the Dangling Rope Marina," Kearns stated. Dock sections were broken apart and damaged NPR said re-assembly was not possible. As the prolonged drought persisted at the lake, the electrical upgrade project could not be completed.
"The design did not anticipate the water elevations being below 3,547 feet," Kearns wrote.
Along with electrical problems and weather-related catastrophic damages, water levels continued to drop, the possible beaching of the marina, and drinking water wells around Lake Powell became barely functional or inoperable, according to Kearns.
"Dangling Rope's water well, located high on a hill above the cove, is dry."
Kearns said 2023 funding gives the recreation area hope and tangible options for new sustainable experiences mid-lake, such as the fueling station concept and improved access to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
"New infrastructure that is designed to last, takes time to develop and implement but we have the support from many stakeholders and communities to be successful."
Rainbow Bridge was designated in 2017 by the park service as "traditional cultural property."
The bridge spans 275 feet, is 290 feet tall and is one of the best-known stone arches in the world. It is steeped in traditions of the Hopi, Kaibab Paiute, Navajo, San Juan Southern Paiute, Ute Mountain Ute and Zuni people. Currently, the dock for the bridge is attached to the land. Visitors must dock and walk a trail for 1.2 miles. Water levels were too low for the dock but have risen recently.
Several other launch locations and services are limited or inoperable at the lake. The National Park Service's website has more information about the changing lake levels of Lake Powell.
