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LAKE POWELL — A marina that provides the only refueling station within a 100-mile stretch of Lake Powell will remain closed as a result of low water levels and "significant" wind damage from a recent storm.
Dangling Rope Marina, on the Utah side of the lake, will be closed for the remainder of the year for repairs, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area park officials announced Tuesday. The decision was made after a team of electrical, structural and marine engineers visited the marina and determined that repairs are needed before it can reopen.
Park officials said boaters will not have access to the marina dock for any purpose and there will be no visitor services throughout the closure. The marina was damaged by a storm in late May.
Officials urged boaters to plan ahead while in that area because it was the only place to get fuel between the Wahweap and Bullfrog areas, which is about 100 miles apart. They added that it takes about four or five hours for boaters traveling 20 mph or 25 mph to reach between the two refueling areas.
Dangling Rope Marina is among a handful of other boat launching points and marinas that are either completely closed or closed off to certain vessels. For instance, motorized vessels were no longer allowed to be launched from Hall's Crossing beginning on Wednesday. Bullfrog North is also currently open for nonmotorized vessels and personal watercraft only.
Park officials announced last week that houseboats are no longer allowed to be launched from Wahweap Main as a result of low water levels.
Antelope Point, Castle Rock Cut, Hite Ramp and the Utah Department of Transportation Ferry are all closed as a result of water or topographic issues, while the Wahweap Stateline ramp is closed for construction. A list of what's open and closed can be found on the park website.
The Utah Division of Water Resources reported Lake Powell fell to 34% capacity on July 1. That's compared to 50% capacity at the point last year, while the average is about 75% for July 1. The Bureau of Reclamation lists Lake Powell levels at about 42% of the average levels from 1981 through 2010.
Low water levels as a result of Utah's ongoing drought have led to closures across the state, including docks at Pineview Reservoir, as well as Millsite and Willard Bay state parks.
Crews also removed a dock at Rockport State Park this week as a result of low water levels there. In a social media post, officials from the park's marina vendor wrote that all motorized watercraft were no longer available to rent as well but visitors could still rent paddleboards and kayaks.
"We look forward and are hopeful fall and winter will bring with it lots of moisture so we can get back to normal," they added.
