“Double Arch” geological feature in Glen Canyon Rec area has collapsed
Aug 9, 2024, 5:12 PM | Updated: 5:59 pm
Left: Double Arch prior to collapse. Right: The Double Arch area (center of photo) on August 9th, 2024, after collapse. (National Park Service)
(National Park Service)
PAGE, AZ — A geological feature known as the Double Arch, or Hole in the Roof, has collapsed. According to National Park Service Rangers in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area it collapsed on Thursday, Aug. 8.
The arch was located in the Rock Creek Bay area of Glen Canyon.
In a press release, Jake Ohlson, the deputy superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area said officials don’t know exactly what caused the arch to collapse. But they believe that changing water levels and erosion from wave action were contributing factors.
And then there is also age.
“Double Arch was formed from 190-million-year-old Navajo sandstone originating in the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods,” Ohlson said in the release.
In all of those years, the stone has weathered wind and rain which also contributed to its changing features.
“This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell,” said Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns in the release.
“While we don’t know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy.”
