A popular natural rock formation that stood there for millions of years has collapsed into Lake Powell in Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Known as Double Arch, the stunning geological attraction was one of the park’s most visited sites, but collapsed on Thursday, August 8.
Also known as the Toilet Bowl, Half Moon Basin, and Hole in the Roof, the fascinating structure was sculpted from 190-million-year-old Navajo Sandstone and looked like a giant skylight in a grotto, letting sunlight illuminate a sparkling patch of water in Rock Creek Bay. According to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS), the ancient structure has been shaped and deformed by the elements since its formation, causing it to continually erode and break apart.
This process may have been influenced by the changing shoreline of Lake Powell, which, according to the NPS, has been receding since 2001 as a result of climate change and a prolonged drought. “Changes in water level and erosion from wave action are considered possible reasons for the arch’s ultimate collapse,” the federal agency’s statement confirmed.
Double Arch as it appeared before Thursday’s collapse. Photo credit: National Park Service.
“This event reminds us of our responsibility and need to protect the natural resources surrounding Lake Powell,” added Michelle Kerns, manager of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. “These features have a lifespan that can be impacted or damaged by human activity. Although we do not know what caused this collapse, we will continue our efforts to protect Lake Powell’s resources so that future generations can continue to benefit,” she said.
Glen Canyon National Park stretches from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs in southern Utah. It covers an area of approximately 5,060 square kilometers (1.25 million acres) and includes several world-famous natural landmarks. These include the extremely popular Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River and Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world.
Fortunately, the NPS was able to confirm that no one was injured in the Double Arch collapse. However, with millions of tourists visiting the national park each year, Kerns stresses that all visitors must respect the delicate nature of these ancient natural wonders.
“Please enjoy our resources, but leave no trace,” she says.
