Fred's Guide to Lake Powell
Current Lake Conditions This site also has snowpack data in the winter. A must for every Lake Powell fan!
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
History
Check the History page for a brief history of the area and photos of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, Page and the surrounding area.
Page, AZ
Page, Arizona is the only town of any size near Lake Powell. It is two miles from Glen Canyon Dam on U.S. Highway 89. Page was founded in 1957 during the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Page offers full visitor services including health care needs, auto and boat repair, restaurants, lodging, groceries and, of course, Fred's Liquor Store.
Carl Hayden Visitors Center
The Carl Hayden Visitors Center, shown below, is on the east side of the dam. it offers interpretive exhibits and information on Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. there is a small bookstore. Guided dam and power plant tours can be taken starting here. It was named after Senator Carl Hayden, who served Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate from 1912 until 1969. Senator Hayden was instrumental in getting Glen Canyon Dam approved.
Glen Canyon Dam was begun in 1956 and completed in 1966. Lake Powell began backing up when the diversion tunnels were sealed on March 13, 1963.
Height of Dam above bedrock: 710 feet
Height of Dam above Colorado River: 587 feet
Dam thickness at base: 300 feet
Dam thickness at top: 25 feet. Length of crest: 1560 feet
Total concrete poured: 5,370,000 cubic yards
Glen Canyon Power plant:
Number of generators: 8
Generating capacity: 1,320,000 kilowatts
Generator room size: 598 feet long, 73 feet high, 83 feet wide
Glen Canyon Bridge:
Glen Canyon Bridge was constructed between 1957 and 1959.
Type: Steel Arch
Height above river: 700 feet
Length: 1271 feet
Width: 38 feet
