The Colorado River In Crisis:

Since the Returning Rapids documentary was filmed in 2024, the Cataract Canyon and Glen Canyon areas have continued to see fast and dynamic changes. Lake Powell’s water level continues to decline, with no end to this decline in sight. As this Reservoir shrinks, it gets closer and closer to ‘Deadpool’ - a state where the dam can neither pass water through it to the Grand Canyon, nor generate hydroelectric power. This would have devastating effects for Cataract Canyon, Glen Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. This is happening now, and action is needed now more than ever.

Image: Jordan Graves, Cataract Canyon October 2024

What happens in 2026?

In 2026, the current interim operating guidelines for Glen Canyon Dam expire. Beginning in 2027, a new 10-year framework will govern Colorado River operations, with specific operating guidelines established for 2027–2028 and subsequent periods. Federal agencies, Basin Tribes, states, and communities will continue to shape how the waters of the Colorado River are managed moving forward, including water flowing through Cataract Canyon and Glen Canyon. Despite ongoing negotiations, no strong alignment or consensus has been reached between the Colorado River Basin States.

Informed water management is absolutely crucial at this time. 2 countries, seven states, and over 40 million people rely on the waters of the Colorado River. We need water policy that acknowledges this great need, and that also acknowledges scientifically backed data about the volume of water in the Colorado River, considers the health of the River itself, and considers River Recreation.

Ultimately:

  • The Colorado River crisis sits at the intersection of infrastructure, political motivations, greed, and water supply.

  • It is important to remember that healthy ecosystems equate to healthy human populations who rely on those ecosystems.

  • Nature, and the river, cannot offer us an endless line of credit via resources.  We must learn to live within our means in order to not lose those resources.

  • This is but a small example of the greater climate crisis challenge; the change MUST come from us as humans.

So what can we do?

Vote.

Educate yourself, try to be a better steward of the natural world around you, and make a change in the world where you can, and don’t give up hope.

Support those already working in this space:

  • The Returning Rapids Project is a research organization that is researching and documenting the changes that are happening in River Corridors that were previously flooded by Lake Powell.

Returning Rapids Project Website | Returning Rapids Project YouTube | Returning Rapids Project Instagram

  • American Whitewater is a national nonprofit organization that protects and restores rivers for recreation and ecological health. The Colorado River is just one of the Rivers that this organization is advocating for and working to project.

American Whitewater Website | American Whitewater Facebook | American Whitewater YouTube

The River cannot speak for itself.

Now is the time to make your voice heard.