Lake Powell advice for next month. Where to launch/anchor?

S

serpa4

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 20, 2020
Messages
286
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Sterndrive)
Hull Identification Number
FMLC3051D818
Vessel Name
DayLo
MMSI Number
368173760
Good day. I've made a few mods and want to do a shakedown run on my C30 next month. Inverter, bed mattress to make spouse happy, 870 watts solar, charge controller, autopilot pump, anchor alarm/AIS, inductive stove to battery bank after pulling electric stove, and other mods.

Anyways, Lake Powell seems like a good 3 day on the water test for me. For those who have been there before (I have not), I'm looking for advice. I'll be launching hopefully at Antelope Point Launch Ramp, Wahweap Marina, or Stateline Marina ramp.
1) Where do you park a truck and trailer there at Antelope, Wahweap, or Stateline? If I cannot, any other place you recommend, i.e. park in page and uber back?
2) Is it best to launch at Wahweap, Antelpe, Stateline and why?
3) The lake is 98% cliffs which is a reason I'd like to explore it. Where do you drop anchor? I likely cannot use google maps as the lake levels change and google maps may be old stuff. I plan to stay on the anchor and not in a marina.
3a) Should I stay over night in one of the long arms, or rear the shoreline in the larger open bodies of water? Why?
4) I remember from long ago, info that wind can be an issues there. At what point is it bad to go, 15kts, 25kts, etc? Is it better to be in a narrow passage to block wind or does it make it worse to anchor in a narrow arm?
5) I'll have to check myself but is there a pump out at either marina for my poo?
6) Any Verizon cell in those canyons? Just curious as VHF will be useless I'm sure.
7) Best method to anchor? Put the bow on the hard, and drop stern anchor? Nose on the hard and a couple stern lines to land (port and starboard)? What do you think is best?
8) Any issues with water level drops in middle of the night and getting beached?

Thanks all!
 
I’ll answer a few questions. I’ve launched at Wahweap once. They have a great launch ramp and you can make arrangements for parking your truck n trailer, plenty of room. You’ll want to purchase a map/guide of Lake Powell and you should check websites for lake levels, what’s open or more importantly what is closed because of low water levels. Because of the changing water levels anchorage areas constantly change but the naps will help guide you. There are pump outs at Wahweap n several self serve floating platforms throughout the area. We always beach anchored when we were there, as the depths dropped off dramatically but that may be different now with the lower water level. Beach anchoring is done by slowly approaching your chosen site by having someone on the bow. Gently nudge the bow onto the sand beach. Deploy the anchor and secure it well up onto the shore. Take a line from both your port n starboard stern n run them at an 30/45 degree angle to shore and secure them onto a rock, log and with another anchor.

That’s all I’ve got, I’m sure others with more experience will add to this.

Jim
 
See this link.
https://lakepowell.water-data.com/
As you can see, as of today, there are only two usable launch ramps on the entire lake due to low water levels - Wahweap and Halls Crossing.
The Cut is closed.
Wahweap has ample parking this time of year for truck and trailer in a couple of parking lots at the top of the ramp. But it’s a long walk!
I’m sure you know about the Utah inspection for invasive species when leaving the lake. You are also suppose to take an online course to get a certificate before launching. I did the certificate but no one checked me for having it.
Check Amazon and get this map:
Stan Jones' & Steve Ward's Lake Powell and Its 96 Canyons Boating and Exploring Map and Guide to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

The floating bathrooms on the lake are not pumpout stations. Pumpout stations are free at most big marinas but you need the adapter. Dangling Rope does not have diesel but it does have trash and a very small store.
Lots of other threads about adapters and Lake Powell on this site.

PS: Cell coverage with Verizon at Wahweap and Bullfrog. The main VZN cell tower is on Navajo Mountain to the south. Very spotty reception on the lake. Just don’t depend on getting any reception and the few times it happens it’s a surprise.
 
Welcome to Lake Powell. We are regular cruisers of the lake and can answer the questions not yet answered.

1. Answered. Wahweap is the best choice for ramp quality, water depth, fuel, pump-out, parking, provisions, etc.
2. Answered.
3. In our experience, you will discover at least one good anchoring spot in most canyons no matter the current water depth or prevailing wind. We could give you a dozen excellent locations but they will likely not be suitable under the conditions you will face in April. Powell is an adventure for precisely this reason: it is different every time you visit.
3a. You will find anchorages on silty-sand shelves. Look for shelves in appropriately protected (based on current wind and fetch) canyons that are no deeper than 25' at least 150' from shore. Deploy maximum rode (5 to 7 times depth) and row ashore your stern anchor with your dinghy. You'll find plenty silty-sand locations on the beach to engage your stern anchor ashore (dry land) up the beach as far as possible (gives the best angle and possible room to drag). Stern anchors are required virtually everywhere due to the fact the the shelves are near deep canyon drop-offs that will exceed your scope when (not if) wind direction changes. Also, you will likely swing into canyon walls.
4. April is windy and usually cold. There is always protection from current conditions right around the next bend. You'll find a nice place no matter the conditions.
5. Answered.
6. In the middle of Padre Bay is the only reliable cell reception.
7. You will find very few places where you will feel comfortable beaching your boat. What is common procedure for metal bottom house boats is likely not what you'll want for your precious gelcoat. What looks like sand is usually ground granite or hard sandstone one inch below; even worse you may find patches of bottomless mud. Use your dinghy to deploy stern anchors and explore ashore.
8. Never a problem on an overnight basis. This is a big lake with volumes that will not materially change in short time frames.

One other consideration as Brian Brown (BB marine) reminds us: The rule of thumb is 3% loss of power for every 1000 ft of altitude and Lake Powell is about 3600' therefore your power loss could be 10%. Be ready for this with the appropriate prop.

Our favorite spots (see our photo gallery for locations):


Have fun and embrace the adventure!
 
Thank you! Great info.
 
Low water levels at Lake Powell! As of today, the lake is 43.9 ft down from this date last year. The Wahweap launch ramp has less than 4 ft of water level drop before it becomes unusable. At the current rate of water drop, this will happen on or about July 15th. This will leave the hard to get to Halls Crossing as the only usable launch ramp on the entire lake. Anyone planning a trip in or after July needs to check launch ramp availability before heading to Lake Powell!
 
Spring thaw will soon start raising water level. This is an extremely dry spring. Normal inflow is 29 K, outflow, 10 K. Right now, inflow 6K
 
From local news, it doesn't look like much in the way of snow melt and run off into Powell.

Lake is expected to drop considerably.
Many ramps are high and dry.
 
Looks like the Wahweap Launch Ramp is now below safe levels as of 7/20. The only safe launch ramp on the entire lake is at Halls Crossing. For those approaching from the north, it’s really out of the way to get to Halls Crossing.
Can’t imaging the lake down 52 feet from where it was this time last year.
 
Bluestreak,
That web site you referenced doesn’t get updated very often. A fair amount of the water level data and ramp accessibility links off that site is old and currently inaccurate.
This site is updated daily and shows the current status of all the major ramps and most of the minor ramps as well.
https://lakepowell.water-data.com/
 
scross,
Thanks.
I will not be boating in Powell for two reasons.
The water level and worse the infestation of the Quagga Mussels.
If not in check, they will be everywhere.
They are primarily transported by boats not being properly decontaminated or by boaters who won't take the time to get decontaminated!
They are an extreme hazard and can become expenxive to all boaters.
I urge you to check this out.
 
Bluestreak,
Sadly those invasive species are spreading quickly. Had to do checks for them in Colorado every time we launched and that was back in the late 1990’s. Last October at Lake Powell we had the boat checked and officially sealed to the trailer when we left. You have to drain everything that takes in the lake water. Since our next outing was in salt water it wasn’t a big deal for compliance - maybe an hours worth of extra work at the ramp.
 
Unfortuantely, there are many boaters who won't take the short amount of time to be decontaminated at the ramp and say to themselves "I'll do it at home. We are tired! We don't have time now, etc.".
Those are the ones who will spread infestation!
 
Just curious if anyone did a cruise on Lake Powell this summer or in the early fall. If you did, where did you launch from? How did the water levels impact your plans and anchorages?
 
We were there in October. A completely different lake! Very beautiful and fun to see the new look.

We used the Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Ramp. It is being extended incrementally as the lake recedes.

You need to be a professional-trailer-boater-launcher-and-recoverer to use this ramp:
1. The ramp is slippery metal boiler plate materials requiring four wheel drive
2. Make ready in the parking lot before accessing the ramp.
3. There is no courtesy dock so you need a vehicle driver and a boat captain ready to drive off/on immediately.
4. Swim out to boat to board.

Anchorages are always available but use good judgement and be watchful for changing conditions. It's more and more rustic and certainly an adventure but the reward is worth it.

Likely, this lake will soon be the boating domain of only kayak's and canoes very soon...

Consider Lake Mohave if you want a similar world class desert lake adventure. See our photo album for details.
 
We loved Lake Powell and we went when the water level was 45 feet higher than it is today. Here is a link to our website that will take you on the trip with us and has photos too.

https://www.laurieann-ranger25.com/lake ... -utah.html

Enjoy the trip. It is a hassle to get there and most boaters will not do it but it is worth it.
 
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