TIFA 2021 Editorial / Environmental

Water Management - Lake Powell

  • Prize
    Gold in Editorial/Environmental
  • Photographer
    Aya Okawa
  • Technical Info
    Nikon D850, 24-120mm
  • Photo Date
    June 20, 2021

Lake Powell was created in 1963 by the US government when the Glen Canyon Dam submerged the region. Non-native wildlife was introduced, erosion & sediment patterns were altered, sacred sites were submerged. But the lake brought in tourist dollars & the dam generated power & captured water for Arizona agriculture. Now the lake’s cliffs show bathtub rings that bely its lowest capacity ever & critics question the wisdom of maintaining it. These photos capture the human-created landscapes of the Lake Powell area – artificially maintained & standing in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

www.aya.photo