It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Powell lake look out point gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lake Powell, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the”
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“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the staff takes care of my father’s needs where he lives. Maria is wonderful with my dad. I’ve not personally met the staff, except Maria, but I’m very grateful for all they do for my dad and me. Appreciate them.”
“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive and kind. I always felt like I was their first priority and that they really cared about me. 10/10 would recommend!!”
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for my dad. He was committed to delivering the highest quality of care and truly valued my dad as a patient. Siale, he goes over and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Prickly Pear Kitchen or visit Defiance House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lake Powell, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lake Powell, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lake Powell, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
WAHWEAP, Ariz. — A major boat ramp just south of the Utah-Arizona border will become inoperable next week, while crews also plan to move a boat dock at Rainbow Bridge National Monument, as Lake Powell water levels continue to drop.The Wahweap Main Launch Ramp will be inoperable starting Monday because of dropping water levels, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area officials said on Thursday. It's one of the remaining ramps available for small motorized vessels, while several others have already closed because of water conditions....
WAHWEAP, Ariz. — A major boat ramp just south of the Utah-Arizona border will become inoperable next week, while crews also plan to move a boat dock at Rainbow Bridge National Monument, as Lake Powell water levels continue to drop.
The Wahweap Main Launch Ramp will be inoperable starting Monday because of dropping water levels, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area officials said on Thursday. It's one of the remaining ramps available for small motorized vessels, while several others have already closed because of water conditions.
The Rainbow Bridge National Monument boat dock in Utah is one of the docks that will remain open, but only because crews plan to move the ramp to deeper water on Aug. 25. Officials note that the change will end easy dock-to-trail access, but its restrooms will stay open.
"Boaters are responsible for knowing the minimum water depth required for their vessel and trailer. Before visiting, check the park website and social media channels for the most current ramp and dock status," park officials wrote in a statement.
The update comes as levels have fallen to a little over 3,552 feet elevation, approximately 30 feet below what levels were listed this time a year ago. Drought conditions this year have left the nation's second-largest reservoir 31% full.
There are still a few options for boaters despite the drop. The Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary, Antelope Point Business and Bullfrog North Launch ramps are currently available for small motorized vessels and houseboats. Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur is also open, but only at the boaters' own risk.
People with nonmotorized vessels can use the Antelope Point Business and Bullfrog North Launch ramps, and are also permitted to launch from the Wahweap Stateline, Antelope Point Public, Bullfrog Main, Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp Spur and Stanton Creek Primitive Area at their own risk.
Rangers are "closely monitoring conditions" that will determine future access options, park officials added.
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
Play/PauseMute/Unmute Embed videoPlayback SpeedVideo QualityEmbed videoCopy the code below to embed the video. CopyPlayback Speed 2 1.75 1.50 1.25 Normal 0.50Video Quality Play/Pause >>Mute/Unmute 0:00 / 0:00Settings Closed Captions Picture in Picture Cast FullscreenPlay/Pause >>Mute/Unmute 0:00 / 0:00Settings Closed Captions Cast FullscreenKANE COUNTY, Utah &mdas...
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KANE COUNTY, Utah — A man's body was found and recovered from Lake Powell Sunday morning after he likely drowned the night before.
The Kane County Sheriff's Office said the victim, 32-year-old Cameron Mengarelli from Prescott, Arizona; jumped from the upper deck of a houseboat on the north side of Wahweap Bay. He didn't resurface after going under the water, and witnesses called 911 around 8 p.m.
WATCH: Free program offers life jackets to keep people safe at southern Utah lakes
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A team comprised of the Kane County Sheriff's Office, Utah Department of Natural Resources, and the National Park Service searched the water for the victim. His body was located by divers early Sunday morning. Officials said he was about 17 feet down.
The victim's name and official cause of death are not yet confirmed. He was taken to the state medical examiner's office.
The landlocked state of Utah is most noteworthy for having one of the largest population of Mormons in the US, as settlers from the church came out here in the 1840s. It's also a beautiful state to visit as it's filled with dunes, pine forests, mountainous regions and more. Visitors also come to Utah to explore its great variety of bodies of water, from the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake and others.However, these bodies of water are home to many types of creatures, including snakes some of which can be dangerous to humans. Although most...
The landlocked state of Utah is most noteworthy for having one of the largest population of Mormons in the US, as settlers from the church came out here in the 1840s. It's also a beautiful state to visit as it's filled with dunes, pine forests, mountainous regions and more. Visitors also come to Utah to explore its great variety of bodies of water, from the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake and others.
However, these bodies of water are home to many types of creatures, including snakes some of which can be dangerous to humans. Although most snakes in Utah aren't venomous and even the venomous ones are unlikely to bite humans, it's important for visitors to these bodies of water to be on the lookout for snakes. These creatures should be respected as a bite from one of them could send you the hospital.
Here are six of the most snake-filled bodies of water in Utah.
This is the most famous lake in all of Utah. After all, it's the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere with salt levels that can reach almost eight times higher than the ocean. Although climate change and drought has shrunk the Great Salt Lake's size, it remains the biggest landmark in the state at 950 square miles, with several islands resting within its interior. Due to its high salt content, it's easy to float in the lake, especially at Antelope Island State Park's beaches.
However, there's more than just people floating in the waters of the Great Salt Lake. You might also run into snakes swimming along or sunbathing near the shore. Many of them are harmless, but some are venomous. For example, there are the nonvenomous valley garter snake and the Western terrestrial garter snake. They tend to measure between 1 foot and 2 feet and 1 foot and 3 feet respectively and are strong swimmers.
Other nonvenomous snakes you might see include the striped whipsnake, the Great Basin gopher snake (the largest snake in Utah), and the North American racer. This snake can move up to 3.5 miles an hour, making it one of the fastest of its kind.
There is one species of venomous snakes that live around the Great Salt Lake to watch out for. It is the Great Basin rattlesnake, which measures between 2 and 4 feet and typically has a muddy color complexion with pale grey, brown and olive brown coloration. Don't let its desert-like appearance fool you; all rattlesnakes are strong swimmers.
Although these snakes rarely bite humans, their venom can cause internal bleeding and can lead to heart problems if left untreated.
Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake entirely within Utah. The area itself is fairly dry, only seeing 15 inches of rain a year. The lake is popular among Utah residents and out-of-state visitors for its warm water temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, access to great fishing of catfish, bass and panfish, and boating.
Much like Great Salt Lake, there are snakes in the area, but the most common ones you'll find are mostly harmless. Garter snakes are common in the waters of Utah Lake, as they swim on the surface. Like any creature, it should be shown respect and given space if encountered.
Although it's more rare, Utah Lake does sit in the middle of the range of the Great Basin rattlesnake. Visitors are most likely to see these rattlesnakes during the late spring and early summer as they move about looking for food and mates. One fact to remember is that under Utah law it is illegal to kill or harass a rattlesnake. It is recommended to check carefully when on trails or going through dense brush for rattlesnakes, as it is possible to encounter one on accident due to their camouflage.
As a tributary of the Colorado River, the Virgin River winds for 162 miles through the Utah countryside. It has carved deep canyon valleys, which is most prevalent at the Zion National Park. For this reason, it has been dubbed Utah's wild and scenic river. The river is home to four native species of fish: the Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, and speckled dace.
While visiting Zion National Park, one may see snakes both along the Virgin River and in surrounding area. For example, the Western garter snake is typically seen right along the river. It's known for a yellow line along the top of its body and a gray underbelly. Some call it a water snake due to its affinity for water.
The Great Basin gopher snake can also be found next to the river. It can grow up to six feet in length, but surprisingly it isn't known for being aggressive. Some have noted it's actually one of the easiest snakes to capture, although it's usually best not to touch any wild creature.
In the larger Zion National Park, one also might discover both the Great Basin rattlesnake and the common kingsnake. The kingsnake itself is noteworthy for being immune to rattlesnake venom and may at times even eat a rattlesnake.
Bear Lake is nestled on the border between Utah and Idaho in the northern part of the state. Visitors from both states come down to sunbathe at the beaches, go boating out from the marina, or go hiking in the larger Bear Lake State Park. Water sports are also a popular activity such as jet-skiing. The lake is particularly noteworthy for its beautiful green-blue color that comes calcium carbonates within the lake.
As with the other entries, the Western terrestrial garter snake may be seen here along with the Great Basin rattlesnake and at times the striped whipsnake. This reptile measures between 30 inches and 72 inches long with black, dark brown or gray color on its back. It's nonvenomous but it does at times eat other lizards even rattlesnakes.
Fun fact, this lake has a legend of a massive 90-foot-long brown snake that inhabits the waters. The Shoshone tribe first told legends of this creature that would capture people in the waters. Legend says this snake can move as fast as a boat through the water.
This lake is much smaller than other bodies of water on the list. In fact, Navajo Lake is only 25 feet deep. A lava flow was responsible for creating this natural reservoir, which is a popular site for people looking to fish for brook trout, rainbow trout and splake trout. Navajo Lake sits within the larger Dixie National Forest in southern Utah.
Thankfully there aren't many venomous snake sightings around the lake, although a few nonvenomous snakes do call the area home. These include the Western terrestrial garter snake and the Western patch-nose snake. The garter snake usually measures around 18 inches to 31 inches. They do have slightly venomous saliva, but it's harmless to humans. The Western patch-nose snake tends to be a bit larger at 20 inches to 46 inches and commonly eats other lizards, snakes, reptile eggs and rodents.
Lake Powell sits on Utah's southern border with Arizona with the larger Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There's a vast shoreline to explore in Lake Powell, along with trails through the canyons surrounding the lake. In the wider area, visitors can discover marvelous sites such as the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a massive naturally forming bridge that was sacred to many of the Native American tribes in the area.
The environment in Lake Powell is ideal for a wide variety of snake species. For example, Great Basin gopher snakes are commonly seen in the area. Their range includes most of Utah as well as Northern Arizona, where Lake Powell sits. This nonvenomous snake is known for its dark brown or black dorsal spots and averages about 4.5 feet in length.
Some visitors have reported a wide variety of rattlesnakes in the area, including Prairie Rattlesnakes. This creatures average about 3.3 feet in length and are identified by dorsal patches of dark brown colors. They will shake their rattles to warn potential predators of their presence, which includes humans. They are not particularly aggressive however and are more likely to slither away from people than bite them, but they will if they feel sufficiently threatened.
Utah has a great diversity of life, including snakes. There are common garter snakes, venomous Great Basin rattlesnakes, massive but gentle Great Basin gopher snake and many more. Although snakes can be frightening to some, like most creatures they just want to be left alone to live, sleep, and hunt for prey.
When visiting these snake-filled waters, it's important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings. While actually encountering a snake may be a rare occurrance, stepping on one by accident or antagonizing one can lead to dire consequences. If you are bit by a snake, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think the snake wasn't venomous. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Lake Powell is projected to start 2026 roughly 33 feet lower than it did this year, according to the most recent forecast from the Bureau of Reclamation.Families flocking to Lake Powell for summer vacations will find closed and less accessible boat ramps in the coming weeks.Water levels continue to drop as “unprecedented drought” plagues the Colorado River Basin, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The agency’s latest 24-month study, released Friday, shows Lake Powell will most likely start next year 33 ...
Families flocking to Lake Powell for summer vacations will find closed and less accessible boat ramps in the coming weeks.
Water levels continue to drop as “unprecedented drought” plagues the Colorado River Basin, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The agency’s latest 24-month study, released Friday, shows Lake Powell will most likely start next year 33 feet lower than it did this year.
The projected level for January 1, 2026 — 3,538.47 feet — keeps the lake at the “Mid-Elevation Release Tier” and the agency will again release 7.48 million acre-feet of water from Glen Canyon Dam next year. If conditions worsen, the agency may have to reduce water releases.
“This underscores the importance of immediate action to secure the future of the Colorado River,” said Reclamation’s Acting Commissioner David Palumbo in a Friday statement. “We must develop new, sustainable operating guidelines that are robust enough to withstand ongoing drought and poor runoff conditions to ensure water security for more than 40 million people who rely on this vital resource.”
Current management guidelines for the imperiled river expire at the end of 2026. The seven states that make up the Colorado River Basin — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — as well as 30 federally recognized tribes have been in tense negotiations about how to share the water into an increasingly dry future.
“The urgency for the seven Colorado River Basin states to reach a consensus agreement has never been clearer,” said Scott Cameron, acting assistant secretary for water and science at the Interior Department, in a Friday statement. “We cannot afford to delay.”
The Upper Colorado River Commission, which includes Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, met in June and called for a “supply-based water management solution” that’s grounded in the actual available water in the river system.
“You can’t reduce what doesn’t come down the stream. And that’s the reality we’re faced with,” said Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River commissioner, in a June statement. “The only way we’re going to achieve a successful outcome is if we’re willing to work together — and not just protect our own interests.”
The seven Basin states are supposed to submit details of preliminary agreements by mid-November and share a final agreement by mid-February of next year to the Interior Department. Interior aims to reach a final decision in the summer of 2026 to then implement new guidelines in 2027.
“Now is the time for the Trump Administration to change the mindset on the river and its tributaries once and for all,” said Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network. “In order to stabilize the system in the coming years, the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states must all cut usage and forgo any ideas about new water delivery projects. Water is not available to meet existing demands.”
If water levels continue to drop before a new agreement has been reached, near-term guidelines provide the seven states with strategies to reduce the risk of Lake Powell and Lake Mead reaching power pool — the level below which water can’t flow through the dams to spin turbines and generate electricity.
Those near-term guidelines include 3 million acre-feet of water conservation by Lower Basin states — Arizona, California and Nevada — and a potential reduced release from Lake Powell.
“These short-term tools will only help us for so long,” Cameron said on Friday. “The next set of guidelines need to be in place.”
Meanwhile, the National Park Service will continue to adapt recreational use as Lake Powell continues to drop in real time. It will close Wahweap Main Launch Ramp on Monday, August 18 and move the Rainbow Bridge dock further into the reservoir on August 25, according to a Thursday announcement from the agency.
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