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. Federal agencies, Basin Tribes, states, and communities are determining how the waters of the Colorado River will be 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.
So what can we do?
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
Get directly involved by contacting your appropriate local members of Congress.
This is especially important if you live within the Colorado River Basin. American Whitewater has kindly created a form that makes it easy to contact your Member of Congress.