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Reclamation urges public to exercise caution below Glen Canyon Dam

Media Contact: Upper Colorado Basin Public Affairs, 385-261-1929 ucbpao@usbr.gov
For Release: Jul 8, 2022
Switch yard at Glen Canyon Dam, AZ Switch yard at Glen Canyon Dam, AZ

PAGE, Ariz. - The Bureau of Reclamation urges those recreating on or along the Colorado River through Glen and Grand canyons to exercise increased caution as summer energy demands and resulting dam operations may cause sudden rapid changes to the river’s flow.

Unscheduled fluctuations in water releases may occur without notice. Vessels should be secured to withstand potential changes in water levels and campers should avoid setting camp where a sudden river rise could reach tents or other camping supplies.

In preparation for extreme heat conditions, the Western Area Power Administration is evaluating available electric power from hydropower resources to assist neighboring systems during emergency situations. They have alerted Reclamation about an increased possibility that Glen Canyon Dam’s powerplant will need to augment power supplies in the event of a potential weather-related power system emergency.

Glen Canyon Dam operations will remain flexible, as described in the 2017 Operating Criteria for Glen Canyon Dam, if existing power generation resources cannot meet electricity demands. Increased water releases usually last one or two hours but could last longer. These operations will not interfere with the 2022 Drought Response Operations as the overall monthly and annual release volume will remain unchanged. 

Hydropower is unique in its ability to respond almost immediately to increased energy demand, and fluctuating water releases to meet that demand are common. As a critical piece of water and power infrastructure for the western United States, Glen Canyon Dam provides reliable energy and operates up to its maximum powerplant capacity in response to regional power demands.

Please check our website for further updated and current status here: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/water/crsp/cs/gcd.html

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