How Big Is Lake Powell?: Numbers and Facts
Lake Powell by the numbers.
Spanning over 186 miles and often referred to as a hidden gem of the American Southwest, Lake Powell is a breathtaking reservoir that captivates adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Nestled within the stunning landscape of Glen Canyon, it is not just a picturesque destination but a marvel of engineering and natural wonder.
Glen Canyon & Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made lakes in North America and stretches nearly 200 miles along the Colorado River.
The construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1966 led to the formation of these expansive blue waters. Positioned within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the Colorado Plateau, Lake Powell covers only 13% of this vast 1.25 million-acre region across Arizona and Utah.
With almost 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is renowned for its spectacular rock formations, yawning canyon walls, and sandy beaches. Recreation generates an estimated $420 million annually through tourism.
Square Acreage of Lake Powell
If Lake Powell were to reach full capacity as allowed by the size of Glen Canyon Dam, it would span a substantial 254 square miles — about half the size of Los Angeles.
However, lake levels fluctuate due to rainfall and water management policies. With lower water levels, the lake's extent can shrink to roughly 125 square miles. Nevertheless, Lake Powell still offers an impressive ~2,000 miles of shoreline owing to its elongated and jagged geographic outline.
This makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure amidst its 90 major side canyons and numerous sandy beaches.
Volume of Water in Lake Powell
The volume of water contained within Lake Powell is staggering.
It is the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. As of January 2025, it holds approximately 2,738,223,077,247 gallons of water — approaching three trillion gallons. At its peak, the reservoir's capacity reaches an astonishing 27 million acre-feet, translating to about 30 trillion liters or 7.9 trillion gallons.
This volume is sufficient to cover the entire state of Ohio with one foot of water. The lake's filling journey began in 1963 and reached full capacity for the first time 17 years later in 1980.
Length of Lake Powell
Stretching approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) in length, Lake Powell offers an extensive playground for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Its shoreline is dramatically longer than the entire west coast of the United States, boasting more than 2,000 miles. The lake's width reaches nearly 40 kilometers (25 miles) at its broadest point.
How Big Is the Glen Canyon Dam?
The Glen Canyon Dam stands tall at 710 feet. It was constructed from over five million cubic yards of concrete between 1956 and 1966 at a cost of $155 million, with a maximum hydroelectric power output of 1,296 megawatts.
The dam's primary function is to impound Lake Powell, which has a maximum water capacity of 27 million acre-feet, serving as a significant water storage facility on the Colorado River.
Bodies of Water Similar in Size
Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made reservoir in the United States, surpassed only by Lake Mead. While Lake Mead covers about 266 square miles, Lake Powell spans approximately 251 square miles when full.
Both reservoirs play crucial roles in water resource management for several western states, with Lake Powell serving as a major storage facility within the Colorado River system.
Is Glen Canyon Recreation Area Larger Than Any State?
Yes! With its sprawling expanse of 1.25 million acres (505,868 hectares), it surpasses the size of Rhode Island. Lake Powell itself, despite being only 13% of the entire recreation area, can store up to 27 million acre-feet of water — a testament to its immense scale.
