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Best of 2020 – Returning Rapids of Cataract Canyon
This week, KZMU News reflects back on another year of grassroots, community powered journalism. We’re airing some of our favorite feature stories of 2020 – the best of KZMU News.
Today we hear a piece that originally aired recently – on Friday, December 4th. KZMU News worked with the Colorado River Reporting Project at KUNC to report it, and it was broadcast by radio stations across the river basin. It’s about the Returning Rapids of Cataract Canyon, a project led by Moab river runners Mike DeHoff and Pete Lefebvre. The duo is documenting changes to the Colorado River as Lake Powell recedes.
As Lake Powell recedes, river guides race to document long-hidden rapids By Molly Marcello/KZMU
Dec. 16, 2020
Research scientist Seth Arens compares a historical photo of Cataract Canyon to the present-day canyon in October 2020. As Lake Powell recedes, rapids that have been submerged for years are reappearing. (Photo courtesy of Glen Canyon Institute)
Researchers and academics study maps and historic photos of Cataract Canyon during an October 2020 trip. (Photo courtesy of Glen Canyon Institute)
Rafters tackle a rapid in Cataract Canyon in October 2020. (Photo courtesy of Glen Canyon Institute)
MOAB, Utah – Climate change and increased demand for water across the Southwest are shrinking the Colorado River’s second biggest reservoir, Lake Powell. Although water managers worry about scarcity issues, two local river guides are documenting the changes that come as the enormous reservoir hits historic lows.