As the drought in the Rocky Mountain West moves into its fifth year, the level of Lake Powell continues to drop. In the spring of 2003, the reservoir is now half empty. From a normal pool elevation of 3,700 fett (above sea level), Lake Powell is down almost 100 feet.

As a result of the low levels, it's been possible at last to see the long-term effects of sedimentation in the lake. The Colorado River carries 100 million tons of it each year, and much of it is coming to the rest in the upper reaches of the Lake Powell.

But the low lake level has also exposed much of the canyon that Ed Abbey once said was, "in liquid storage." Side canyon, lost for three decades, are re-emerging and restoring themselves in a remarkably short period of time. Cathedral in the Desert, off the Escalante River, is one of those places. In early February, members of the Glen Canyon Institute, musician Paul Winter, and other friends of the canyon made the journey by boat to a place no one has seen since 1964. It is within 60 feet of being "reservoir free." For now. Jim Stiles

The Main Channel of the river-- the "bath tub" ring is already wearing off.

A motorboat marks the point where the Cathedral ended for hikers... A pour-off blocked passage upstream. Another five-foot drop will expose the top of the waterfall.

2002 UIPA Nominee Local/Regional Coverage