Going to lake Powel in August - should I be worried about the drought?

[TechnoViking]

So some friends and I booked a houseboat trip on lake Powel in August. Has anyone been lately, and will the drought be an issue?

I've looked at some projections for 2015 water levels, but I'm not sure what to make of them. Looking for anyone who does this kind of thing and may have some advice.

Thanks!

[Slider79SC]

We've been going to Powell for 15+years... We were just there last September.

Been there when it was full and when it was 90+ ft low. Biggest thing to watch out for is rocks and such being very close to the surface when the levels are low.

Maybe you know some of these things already but here goes...

Always stay more towards the center of the channel while traveling in the house boat and never cut close to the shore going aroung bends. When your getting ready to park/shore the houseboat if you have a smaller boat or jetski, scout for rocks and dibris near the shoreline to avoid tagging a prop.

Every great once in a while the wind can be quite strong so always set 4+ anchors for the houseboat (more the better) and set the rears wide and not super tight so the boat has room to move a little.

Place a stick in the shoreline at water level and watch how much the water goes down during the week, sometimes backing the houseboat off the shore a little mid week helps when its time to leave.

Depending which marina you go out of there are great river arms to setup camp in, we always head down to the San Juan river arm because its deep and has some nice spots.

Try to plan out all your supplies so you don't have to go back to the marina during the week (gas prices there suck). If you do, travel in the morning as thats when the main channel is less busy and more smooth.

When you pick up your house boat have them show you that the toilet system has been pumped empty, you don't want that filling up mid week. Trust me we know this from experince... All grey water is now captured in the storage tanks so try to limit showers indoors, water running in the sink (use dish washing buckets and dump it outside) and pee outside as much as plossible (we call it checking the prop). haha

LOTS of sunblock, the glare is brutal off the water...

I'll think of more but my lunch hour is over so gotta go for now.

[Slider79SC]

Our view every morning this last year at Powell

[TechnoViking]

Slider, Thanks for the info. I know we're met before. I'm RMR PCA #55. Maybe I'll see you at High Plains this summer.

Martin

[onewhippedpuppy]

Stunning pictures, I would love to boat on Powell. Our lakes don't look like that........

[Slider79SC]

I'd have to put my car back together in order to even drive it this year.... been apart way too long. I guess I could bring out the Camaro.

[Slider79SC]

Try surfing if you have the chance, totally relaxing.

[Slider79SC]

So here is a little bit more info from our years of learning.

Ice, Water & drinks:

Get Block ice only, the crushed ice melts in a heartbeat out there. We just get block ice and use a good ol ice pick to break it up. Ice goes quickly with mixed drinks and water so a few extra blocks is worth it and you can usually sell it to someone that is showing up when your leaving. Last year for 14 people we used a little les than 60 blocks.

We have found that bringing the 5 gallon Deep rock style water works best, it also helps reduce the amount of trash that you have on the boat instead of using little bottles. With 12-14 people we go through 1 jug per day. We use a round igloo water cooler, drop a block of ice in it and fill with water throughout the day.

Cans are best out there because you can crush them to save on trash space, (there is a pattern developing here), plan your drinks well because they are expensive at the marinas. Kegs don't work at all, they are way to hard to keep cold.

Coolers:
The real large coolers are great to get all your food out there and then work well for keeping your drinks cold. If your renting a boat that does not have a lot of freezer space you can pack your food in dry ice and it stays good for several days. We have layered our food in dry ice before with the last days food on the bottom and working backwards and it did pretty well.

We use 1 or 2 large coolers to store the block ice if there is not a freezer on the front of the boat.

Cleanliness idea:
There is Red sand everywhere.... use a wash bucket on the front deck to rinse your feet before getting back on the boat if you are on shore for hiking, camp fires etc. That red crap gets everywhere and is a pain... We just put the shoes to the side and dip our feet and shazam... clean feet

Gas:
Gas is expensive at the marinas (usually 2+ bucks per gallon higher) so if you day cruise and sight see (highly recommended) use your ski boats and leave the houseboat sit, they suck down gas like you'll be sucking down ice cold drinks... haha

Sight seeing:
Escalante Canyon is a great place to find beautiful rock walls and canyon views.

General:
So trash maintenance is important, it takes up space and stinks. So anything you can plan on doing or swap for that takes up less trash space is great. If you have a ramp on the front of the houseboat to get to shore (most have them) pull it up at night to keep the mice away.

The sun out there is dang hot thanks to how absolutely clear and beautiful it is out there so plan on shade hats, lots of sunblock (skin cancer in our family) and lots of hydration. The shirt I have on in the above pic is a SPF shirt I got at Costco, stays cool and blocks everything.

DO NOT SWIM, BATH OR SIT at the back of the houseboat while it is idling or if the generator is running (like when your cooking and stuff). Carbon monoxide floats at surface level on the water and raises the risks. Shut the back door and windows also if the generator is running. This is my most important tip I could ever give you... Please trust me on this.

Oh and speaking of generators, the AC runs off the generator on most houseboats and they suck down the gas fast. Ours draws from the main tank (not sure on the rentals) and if you draw too much you might have to put some back in to get back to the marina.... lol

Gotta go for now. Have fun, it is one of the most awesome places to vacation for water lovers. We have been going since 1995 and will continue as long as my old bones allow me to keep skiing.

[slodave]

Watch out for scorpions. You can no longer pee under the Rainbow Bridge...