As we all know, water level at Lake Powell has been dropping. I just logged onto wayneswords.net to see what the latest new was. Here is some info I found
(https://i.imgur.com/HGOOdxG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UPZwZvt.png)
Here are pics of Halls posted on wayneswords.net which shows the condition of ramp and surrounding area
(https://i.imgur.com/qlzWKUt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XkLWLcX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wn3MW1m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OvQIOeO.jpg)
From what I have read, there is NO lake access, as of yet, to even shore launch at Halls Crossing. Some have mentioned the remote possibility of utilizing the cove the Ferry is in
(https://i.imgur.com/tYR252j.jpg)
Over at Bullfrog, from what I've read there again is NO lake access to shore launch. From reading and the pics posted, even the area we shore launched last year is not usable or very iffy to use. NPS still says launch at your own risk but looking at the pics, I see mud and shallow launch w/ need to back your truck quite a ways into the lake to find launchable water. Getting your truck stuck is a real possibility from the pics and comments posted.
Now, NPS is going to extend one of the ramps by the marina. Construction has not started yet and they say their timetable for completion of extension project is April 2022. We all know how that process works tho. Here's the NPS Water Level Update dated Jan 21st.
(https://i.imgur.com/lxeYPL9.png)
There has been a couple posts regarding the idea of launching on the south end and taking the 3-4 hr boat ride up to Bullfrog/Halls. But as you saw on the NPS update, no Dangling Rope Marina for fuel. This idea, although interesting, sounds like a lot of work & logistics LOL
Some have said there is a good snowpack this year but given our April timeframe, we usually don't see the big effects of this water on lake levels while we are there.
When you guys get a chance, log into wayneswords.net and see what info you find.
LLL
Well that really sucks. I thought for sure we would be ok at Halls. For me, I don't want to try and relocate to Bullfrog. From the past years lake levels the big runnoff seems to start in May. We have until March 23rd to make a decision.
Is it too late to switch to Bullfrog? Would that give us our best chance if the lake comes up some? Just wondering..........
I can cancel the Halls reservations and try and make the same over at Bullfrog. Just wanted to hear what you guys wanted to do.
I've made reservations for Bullfrog in an attempt to keep this trip going.
3 trailers from April 23rd to April 30th
1 trailer from April 23rd to April 27th
The gal on the phone gave us the slip and buoy discount of 20% with zero resistance for Bullfrog.
So as of now we have reservations at both locations. I'm on the hook for about 12k, which I can cancel 30 days in advance. We will see how the lake looks in the next few months.
Thank's for doing that Champ.
Thanks Dave. We may have to come up with plan "B" a new venue.
Steve, Larry, and I talked about Powell after the meeting. Couple of options were brought up.
First was rent a house boat up near the north side of the lake. We would launch at the south side of the lake with our boats and travel up to the houseboat. Roughly a 100 mile one way boat ride. Not sure of the cost difference.
Second was to push the dates back to the second week of May and stick with Bullfrog. Hoping that the low water launch will be completed in time. Its tentatively scheduled for May 1st.
Lastly, we just find a place to stay on the south side of the lake and fish there this year.
Regardless of any decision, I just don't see Halls being an option with our current dates. I'm going to cancel that reservation today. We will still have our current reservation at Bullfrog at least until March 19th, then I will cancel that if we can't go.
For me I'm leaning towards pushing the dates back to say May 7th to the 14th and staying at Bullfrog in the trailers. As long as there are some guarantees of a full refund for our reservation if the launch is not completed on time. The lake should be filling, and the mud line should be moving daily.
Need to hear from everyone soon...
Quote from: sparkchaser on February 14, 2022, 06:23 AM
For me I'm leaning towards pushing the dates back to say May 7th to the 14th and staying at Bullfrog in the trailers. As long as there are some guarantees of a full refund for our reservation if the launch is not completed on time. The lake should be filling, and the mud line should be moving daily.
Need to hear from everyone soon...
I'm for that if it fits peoples vacation schedules. Second would be the 100 mile boat rides.
I'm out for the second week in May and don't really want to drive 100 miles one way in a boat....
Hey everyone. Last ditch effort to keep this years trip going. If you read Wayne's words and/or follow the current water level at Powell things are looking almost improbable for our scheduled April trip. The lake is dropping daily. For reference, the lake is currently at 3527, or 25% full pool, whereas last year it was 3603. Minimum launch level at Halls crossing is 3553, Bullfrog is 3576.
Currently there is a contractor hired to extend the executive ramp at Bullfrog out to be able to launch up to 3520. The expected date of completion will be May 1st. That will be the only way to launch up on the north side of the lake.
I'd like to cancel the current 2 reservations in April, as I just don't see them working. I propose instead we head up May 14th through the 21st. We would have to stay at Bullfrog, and I'll see if we can get trailers for those dates. I'll make sure there are some guarantees with the reservation, as we won't know about the ramp extension within the 30 day cancellation window.
Let me know who can go so I can move forward with reservations.
Marv and I are in. Good work Dave.
OK fellas here is the current update at Powell. On Wayne's words people are posting that concrete is being poured at the Bullfrog north ramp. Below are a couple videos. I'm optimistic, but everything I am reading to use the low water ramp under construction lake needs to be 3525. Current level is at 3523. Per the link they will not be pouring into water.
"For safety reasons, the Bullfrog North boat ramp construction zone will be closed to the public beginning the week of March 7. The construction zone will remain closed until the last concrete pour dries. (The amount of ramp extension that is possible will be dependent on the lowest water level reached before spring runoff begins, as no construction will occur in water. The maximum amount of ramp extension possible at this location would reach water elevation 3525 feet.) Use of the ramp will be dependent on lake levels reaching 3525 feet or higher."
https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/news/20220311.htm
I'll call this weekend and again talk to Aramark about our reservation and see if I can get a guarantee of refund within the 30 day window if the ramp is unusable. If they will not give me that I will be canceling the reservation.