Watch VideoThe Grand Canyon gets a bath
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
An unusual experiment is taking place today at the Grand Canyon. Extra water is being released from the Glen Canyon Dam as officials create a man-made flood to help flush sediment down river into the canyon.
The controversial move is an attempt to rebalance the ecosystem. 300,000 gallons of water per second came rushing through the bypass valves at Glen Canyon Dam as the experiment was kicked off.
"Today we're here to set the river free once again and through this experiment we hope to enhance the habitat in the canyon and its wildlife and learn more about these complex natural systems," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne.
The high-flow experiment was authorized by the Department of the Interior. The goal is to push sand and sentiment down the Colorado River to restore beach erosion and the natural habitats of some endangered species of fish.
Environmentalists say the single high-flow test is not enough. "If you do not do these experiments once every year or two you lose the benefits of what you're doing," said Nikolai Lash of the Grand Canyon Trust.
This is the third high-flow experiment since 1996. The last one was done in 2004. This time the water will run for about 60 hours, dropping Lake Powell three to four feet.
Grand Canyon Park officials are concerned about the temporary impact it might have on rafting and fishing, but the Interior Department says the high flow will improve natural cultural and recreational resources.
Scientists will be collecting data over the next several months. They hope to learn when to trigger future floods in the hopes of restoring and maintaining this national treasure's true majesty.
