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Show : THE ZEPHYR/ APRIL-MAY CATHEDRAL A Buried Glen Canyon 2003 in the DESERT Treasure Re-emerges from a Shrinking Lake Powell As the drought in the Rocky Mountain West moves into its fifth year, the level of Lake Powell continues to drop. In the spring of 2003, the reservoir is now half empty. From a normal pool clevation of 3700 feet (above sea level), Lake Powell is down almost 100 feet. Asa result of the low levels. it’s been possible at last to see the long-term effects of sedimentation in the lake. The Colorado River carries 100 million tons of it each year, and much of it is coming to rest in the upper reaches of Lake Powell. (See the last issue for remarkable pictures) But the low lake level has also exposed much of the canyon that Ed Abbey once said was, "in liquid storage.’ Side canyons, lost for three decades, are re-emerging and restoring themselves in a remarkably short period of time. Cathedral in the Desert, off the Escalante River, is one of those places. In early February, members of the Glen Canyon Institute, musician Paul Winter, and other friends of the canyons made the journey by boat to a place no one has seen since 1964. It is within 60 feet of being "reservoir-free." For now. Jim Stiles Cathedral in the Desert - A motorboat marks the point where the Cathedral ended for hikers....A pour-off blocked passage upstream. Another Jive foot drop will expose the top of the waterfall. The Main Channel of the river-the “bath-tub" ring is already wearing off. PAGE29 | ° |
