Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell

Glen Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over a period of 5 million years. The Glen Canyon Dam was built in the 1960’s and Lake Powell the second largest man-made lake in the US, from 1963 it took 17 years to fill the lake to the planned level of 3,700 feet above sea level. Lake levels fluctuate depending on the spring runoff from the mountains and the releases needed to produce electricity from the dam's eight generators. Dam building is always controversial due to adverse environmental impacts accompaning their construction, they also only have a set life cycle due to sedimentation build up behind the dam. There are many groups who fight for the removal of dams and for the Colorado river to flow fee once more. Students can visit the area and weigh up the costs and benefits of dam building in the US.