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 may cause 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.
The Western Area Power Administration has alerted Reclamation to an increased possibility that Glen Canyon Dam’s power plant will need to augment power supplies in the event of a potential power system emergency. Glen Canyon Dam operations remain flexible, as described in the 2017 Operating Criteria for Glen Canyon Dam, to adjust for power system emergencies when existing power generation resources cannot meet electricity demands. Increased water releases usually last one or two hours but could last longer.
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 power plant 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
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
