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feature 35 June 2009 By Brandon Barrus Good news for houseboaters looking at floating Lake Powell this year: snowfall in the West this winter is projected to have a very positive impact on water levels at the second- largest manmade lake in the country. Arizona's snowpack, a measure of the amount of water the snow on the ground holds, is about 250 percent of normal for early January and more than 300 percent of normal on the mountains that feed into the Verde River. And on the Colorado River, another significant source of water for Arizona, snowpack levels are slightly above average, according to Rick Clayton, hydrologist for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The December storms offset a dry autumn, and precipitation since October totals about 105 percent of average. The National Park Service's Castle Rock Cut project be- gan this past February, according to Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas sales and marketing director Cathy McKeever. The project, which consists of deepening the channel depth of Castle Rock Cut to an elevation of 3,580 feet, will make the cut available to boats drafting four feet or less when the lake level is above the 3,585-foot level. This means the Cut, which is a popular shortcut on the lake, is now open. This benefits visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area by providing more direct access for boaters to uplake locations, thereby decreasing transit time and providing a savings on fuel consumption. "It will make boating on Powell even more fun," McKeever said. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offers 10 models of house- boats, from 46 to 75 feet, with a range of amenities to meet every party size and budget. Rental houseboats are available at Wahweap Marina in South Lake and Bullfrog Marina in North Lake. The marina will also add 14 more 46-foot Expedition houseboats, one of the most popular and affordable house- boats at Lake Powell. Designed for single families or couples who throw small parties, the Expedition is the most afford- able boat in the fleet, with prices as low as *$3,395 for a seven-day trip in peak season. In addition to houseboats, Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offers a complete line of rental powerboats, PWC's, skis, wake- boards, tubes, kayaks and other equipment to enhance the customer's water adventure. For more information on Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas visit www.lakepowell.com or call 888-896-3829. *Prices quoted do not include fuel, waiver of liability, taxes, fees or other charges that may apply. n The Rise Water level projections for Lake Powell look good house boat magazin Video