Human Impact on the Earth: Lake Powell

Alan Taylor
September 21, 2015
18 Photos
In Focus

Lake Powell is a reservoir on the border of Utah and Arizona, formed from the Colorado River by the Glen Canyon Dam. Severe drought conditions and unsustainable withdrawals have lowered the levels of Lake Powell to about 42 percent of its capacity. The reservoir provides water for millions of people across several western states. The U.S. Department of the Interior forecasts similar levels for next year, with an unpredictable impact from snowpack accumulation, which was very low this year. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Conference in Paris this December, Reuters will be releasing a series of stories, called "Earthprints," focusing on the ability of humans to impact the landscape of the planet. Today's story on Lake Powell is the first in a weekly series, which will continue until December.

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Changes in Lake Powell seen in an animated transition between two NASA satellite images taken in 1991 and 2015 (half-full). From side to side, this image covers approximately 25 miles. #

NASA / Reuters

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Huge areas of dry ground, which would be underwater if the lake was full, at Lake Powell, near Page, Arizona, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A narrow slot canyon is seen from the air at Lake Powell, near Page, Arizona, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Gregory Butte is reflected in Lake Powell, near Page, Arizona, on May 25, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Sandstone sculpted by water and wind erosion is seen in a slot canyon, one of hundreds that surround Lake Powell, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A houseboat camps in shallow water in a canyon at Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the Colorado River, creating Lake Powell, near Page, Arizona, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Houseboats are tied up in the marina at Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A powerboat moves through a canyon at Lake Powell on May 26, 2015, with the high-water mark visible above it. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Dry land exposed by low water levels next to Gregory Butte in Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A powerboat cruises, with Phoebe the dog on the bow, through a cut below Castle Rock in Lake Powell on May 25, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Sandstone sculpted by water and wind erosion in a slot canyon near Page, Arizona, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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Huge areas of exposed low-lying ground at Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A boat makes its way around Padre Butte in Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the Colorado River near Page, Arizona, on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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An area that would be underwater if the lake was full is seen at Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A houseboat is tied up on shore as two jet skis approach below Gunsight Butte in Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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A white high-water “bathtub ring” is visible on the shores of Lake Powell on May 26, 2015. #

Rick Wilking / Reuters

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