Erosion suspected in collapse of Utah's popular Double Arch rock formation

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A beloved and unique geologic feature in Utah's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is no more following the collapse this week of the Double Arch sandstone formation in Utah, U.S. parks officials have confirmed.

Erosion is the suspected culprit in Thursday's collapse of the arch -- a hole formed in the 190-million-year-old sandstone rock situated along Lake Powell, the National Parks Service announced .

The formation was sometimes referred to as the Toilet Bowl, the Crescent Pool and the Hole in the Roof.

No one was hurt during the collapse at Rock Creek Bay, Utah, located about 300 miles east of Las Vegas.

The Double Arch has been subject to spalling and erosion from weather, wind and rain since its formation in the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods.

Changing lake water levels and the effects of wave action are also suspected of contributing to the ultimate collapse of the arch, according to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns.

"This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell," she said. "These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions.

"While we don't know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy. Please enjoy our resources but leave no trace," Kerns said.