(Page, AZ) - Summer visitors to Lake Powell will experience water levels last seen ten years ago, according to a new report by the Bureau of Reclamation. The report predicts water levels to be 3,665 feet above sea level by mid-August, a level not seen since 2001. In the last two months, the nation’s second largest man-made lake has added 28 feet of water elevation with half of the snowpack still left to melt. This excess snowmelt is creating more areas to explore at Lake Powell, America’s favorite houseboating destination.

David Sloma, vice president of operations for Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas said, “We are expecting the lake to rise a foot a day for the next two months as the rest of the snow melts and feeds Lake Powell. The higher water levels are opening hundreds of Lake Powell’s back canyons to boats, giving visitors access to areas that have not been accessible for ten years!”

Visitors to Lake Powell this year will find more places to explore and to beach houseboats. The lake’s high levels will provide optimal boating conditions throughout the season. Popular fishing areas such as Farley and Cooper Canyons are also expected to be accessible.

Lake Powell’s rising water level is a result of the long and wet winter this year. An above-average snowpack, with late snows and unseasonably cold weather has lead to a slower melt than usual. As of May, the snowpack that feeds Lake Powell was 30 percent higher than average, with only 50 percent of the accumulated snowpack melted.

For more information about current conditions, go to www.lakepowell.com.