How low is Lake Powell? Photos show the toll the megadrought has taken on the lake and tourism ➡ Amid a climate change-fueled megadrought engulfing the U.S. West, water levels are more than 50 feet lower than last year at Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. and a popular tourist destination. A thick, white band of newly exposed rock face stretches high above boaters’ heads at Lake Powell, creating a sharp contrast against the famous red desert terrain. One boat ramp is so far above the water, people have to carry kayaks and stand-up paddleboards down a steep cliff face to reach the surface. Government officials had to begin releasing water from sources upstream last month to keep the lake's level from dropping so low it would have threatened hydropower supplied by the Glen Canyon Dam. “The park service has failed to plan,” area homeowner Bill Schneider said. “If it gets to the point where we’re so low that you can’t put boats in the water and you can’t come up with a solution to put boats in the water, why would you come to Lake Powell?” 📸: Justin Sullivan(@gettyimages), Rick Bowmer (@apnews) | #lakepowell #lakepowellhouseboats #drought #arizona #coloradoriver #reflectioncanyon