Construction of Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963. As Lake Powell rose behind the 710-foot concrete wall, archaeologists raced to document hundreds of cultural sites before they were inundated. But the loss extended far beyond cultural resources. The flooding of Glen Canyon transformed the Colorado River itself, cooling its waters, trapping sediment, and starving the Grand Canyon’s beaches and ecosystems of a vital resource. This episode dives into that story. Part 3 of a 6 part series.

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Written, hosted, and produced by Evelyn Baher-Murphy

This episode of Lifeblood was made possible by support from the Hulbert Center for Southwest Studies, the Colorado College Journalism Institute, the Utah Rivers Council, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, Firefly Kitchens, Ceiba River Outfitters, and Outdoor Odysseys Sea Kayaking.