Bureau of Reclamation Projects Higher Water Levels at Lake Powell

Castle Rock Cut Opening is Forecast for June, 2008

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. October 14, 2008

PAGE, AZ, March 27, 2008. Heavy snowfall in the West this winter is projected to have a positive impact on water levels at Lake Powell, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. Most significantly it means that by June or earlier Castle Rock Cut, a popular shortcut on the lake, should be open for the first time in more than five years.

Lake Powell's Castle Rock Cut shortcut requires a lake elevation of about 3,620 feet for boats to pass through. As of March 13, 2008, the estimated water surface level at Lake Powell was 3,588 feet above sea level. According to the Reclamation's March projections, which use the latest inflow forecasts from the National Weather Service, the lake should reach an elevation of 3,634 feet by the end of June, peaking in July at 3,640 feet. This leaves a buffer of about 10 to 15 feet for Castle Rock Cut to stay open through peak houseboating season months.

"This winter has produced the best overall snowfall of the past eight years, with snowpacks generally well above average as the spring runoff period begins," said Barry Wirth of Reclamation. "This is significant news for the entire Southwest region, including Lake Powell, which is currently projected to rise about 50 feet over the next four months."

The effect of a nine-year drought in the Southwest has kept Castle Rock Cut impassable by boat since 2003, significantly impacting the visitor experience on Lake Powell, widely known as American's favorite houseboating destination. With the Castle Rock Cut open, a shorter and safer passage becomes available, saving boaters about 12 miles of travel between Wahweap Marina and popular uplake destinations like Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. The shortcut saves boaters time and money on fuel costs, and opens up new areas for exploration and discovery on the lake.

"This is exciting news for houseboaters and visitors to Lake Powell," said Dan Resmondo district manager of Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. "With the rising lake levels and the opening of Castle Rock Cut, we guarantee 2008 will be one of the best and most memorable houseboating seasons in years."

About Lake Powell

Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the U.S., is located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches.

About Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat rentals, lodging and scenic tours. For more information or to book a houseboat vacation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Contacts:

ARAMARK

David Freireich

215-238-4078

[email protected]

Amy Toosley

Allison & Partners

619-533-7976

[email protected]