Do you have pictures that could be useful?

There is a great amount of photographic and film history that shows how much Cataract Canyon has changed in the past 100 years.

Many parties have documented their experience while running through Cataract Canyon. Collectively, pictures can show how Cataract has changed and recovered since Glen Canyon Dam began impounding river water.

As an example: Gregg Nickel, long time river runner, shared some pictures of a spring break trip in April of 1980.

How we use Images

The reservoir level in the 1980s was closing in on full pool (3700 feet above sea level). Records show the reservoir was approximately 3,675 feet above sea level during the 1980 trip when these pictures were taken.

When we have an idea of the location where a historic photo was taken, we can hike in the area to see what we find. For example: the below photos were taken when the reservoir level declined to 3615-3620 ft. above sea level.

To reach the site of the 1980 pictures, we walked up Waterhole Canyon’s wash. The wash has cut through the layers of silt and sediment that were left when the reservoir retreated from 3700 feet above sea level to its current level. It is a dusty wasteland traveling through the approximately 70- 80 feet of elevation to find the location where the 1980 photo was taken.

At the top of all the lake sediments, it is fairly easy to find clues that help match the picture from the 1980s to present day. The talus cone in the background on the far side of the main canyon is a great reference point. Turns out the picture was developed backwards. It is shown in this match as flipped.

Way down in the historic river bed, against the talus (seen in both pictures), is Waterhole Canyon Rapid.

If you have pictures that could be useful to our project, please contact us!.