In 1963, the completion of Glen Canyon Dam marked a turning point in the history of the Colorado River. At its height, Lake Powell stored over 27 million acre-feet of water, but water levels sit at just below 9 million-acre feet at present. The lake faces historic low water levels due to prolonged drought and increasing demands on the Colorado River. These changes have revealed hidden canyons and long-submerged landscapes, sparking conversations about water conservation and the future of the river. These photos from the Barnes Collection (available via Southern Utah University and the Grand County Public Library) display the dam and Lake Powell over the years.
The Moab Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of the natural and human history of the Moab area. To explore more of Moab’s stories and artifacts, find out about upcoming programs, and become a Member, visit www.moabmuseum.org.
