Why Lake Powell’s Dangling Rope Marina permanently closed, and what’s coming next

GLEN CANYON, Utah ( ABC4 ) — Officials with the National Park Service answered questions Thursday about Dangling Rope Marina’s permanent closure and the future of mid-lake fueling stations at Lake Powell.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area authorities said the Dangling Rope Marina is permanently closed, calling it an “unavoidable” decision due to low water levels, loss of water wells, and weather damage to the electrical system.

“Without an electrical system, potable water to the marina, and a lake level sufficient to maintain a marina or utility systems in low water conditions, the Dangling Rope location is unsustainable,” the NPS letter read.

The Dangling Rope Marina served as a floating structure with visitor services, including a mid-lake fuel service station. It was the only chance to refuel in the 100-mile area between downlake Wahweap/Antelope Point Marinas and uplake Bullfrog/Hall Crossing Marina.

Dangling Rope was first constructed in the 1980s when Lake Powell’s water was at its peak levels, and “the design did not anticipate the water elevations being below 3,547 feet,” the statement read.

In 2021, an ongoing project to fix the electrical problems on the marina was suspended as authorities feared the marina could become beached and the drinking water well that serviced Dangling Rope had dried out.

“Due to climate change and aridification, Lake Powell’s water levels have declined. The water depth in the Dangling Rope cove can no longer support a marina. With the water level lower, access is cut off and emerging rock features are a safety hazard,” NPS officials wrote.

What’s next?

NPS authorities said they know mid-lake fuel service is important to boaters and are currently working to find a way to provide a service that can withstand low water levels. Last year, NPS was granted congressional funding and contracted out a marine engineering firm to design the new marina.

“When we have those design concepts, we’ll begin the evaluation process and engage our affected communities and stakeholders to ensure we construct a long-lasting mid-lake fueling station that will serve us well in the future,” authorities said.

Authorities have also recently begun to research ways to repurpose Dangling Rope’s land facilities.

“The decisions we have had to make about Dangling Rope have been difficult and painful,” the statement read. “At the same time, we are pleased to have received the funding support from the Disaster Supplemental budget bill of FY23, this gives us both hope and tangible options for new sustainable experiences.”

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