“Double Arch,” a popular natural attraction for Lake Powell visitors, suddenly collapsed on Thursday, the National Park Service announced Friday.
Officials do not know what caused the collapse of the 190 million-year-old geologic feature, which was also affectionately referred to as the “Toilet Bowl”, “Crescent Pool”, or “Hole in the Roof.” It once stood within Rock Creek Bay of Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
They suspect that changing water levels and erosion contributed, according to a news release. No one was injured when the structure collapsed.
(National Park Service) What remains in the area of "Double Arch," after the popular geologic feature in Rock Creek Bay within Utah's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area collapsed on Aug. 8, 2024, as shown on Aug. 9, 2024.
“This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell,” Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns said in a statement. “These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions.”
The “Double Arch” was formed during the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods out of fine-grained Navajo sandstone. Recently, the arch has acted as a circular redrock platform. Lake Powell visitors often jumped through the arch’s opening into the lake below.
“Please enjoy our resources but leave no trace,” reminded Kerns in the release.
A spokesperson for the recreational area did not immediately return a request for comment late Friday afternoon seeking more information.
