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Utah Travel Headlines

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ogden Arts Festival

The annual Ogden Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, June 11, with most events centered on or near historic 25th Street, in downtown Ogden.

The festival provided the information below. See the festival website for more information.

There's something for everyone at the Ogden Arts Festival! Over 80 fine arts artists booths, live music, free kids ARTivites, food court, film, beer garden and dance.

ART

FRIDAY 6pm High School Exhibit Awards, Gallery 51, Union Station, exhibit open through month of June.

SATURDAY 10am - 8pm ARTISTS BOOTHS Local and regional artists offer their fine art for sale in over 80 booths along 25th street and surrounding the Fountain Plaza at Union Station.

SATURDAY Noon to 6:00pm Plein Air Silent Auction Bid on paintings that have just been painted in the local surroundsings including the new Ogden River Walk..

MUSIC

SATURDAY 10am - 8pm Enjoy the delicious food offered in the food court and sip a beverage from the beer garden while you settle in under the shade and listen to the talented local musicians on the Rock Stage. Or sit at the edge of the bubbling fountain enjoying an ice cream cone among the artists at the Acoustic Stage on the Fountain Plaza at Union Station.

KIDS ARTIVITIES

SATURDAY 11am-3pm Children love taking the opportunity to create art that they can take home at the Kids ARTivity areas.

FILM

FRIDAY NIGHT 8pm "One Revolution" $5

SATURDAY 10am-8pm IN THE UNION STATION BROWNING THEATER & WATTIS DUMKE ROOM Free Films from the Foursite Film Institiute will be playing all day inside the Browning Theater at Union Station.

FOOD

Friday Night - Taste of Downtown $8

DINNER MENU LINK

6:30-8pm Enjoy a variey of yummy "tastes" from local 25th Street Restaurants. In the Grand Lobby at Union Station.

Saturday 10am-8pm The Beer Garden and Food Court Located on 25th Street just West of the Band Stage, sample the fare from the wonderful local restarants.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Flooding Causes Travel Problems In Some Areas

Heavy rain fell over many parts of Utah during the Memorial Day weekend, causing rivers to rise and flood some areas.

Sunshine and warmer temperatures are forecast for the rest of the week, and that may actually increase the flood danger because it will start high-elevation snowmelt cascading down our waterways.

Interstate and other major highways are in good shape but some secondary highways could be affected.

All Utah streams and rivers are running high and fast, and have very cold water. Take care if you are traveling or recreating near any waterway.

SR 39 along the south side of Pineview Reservoir has been closed temporarily because soggy soil is allowing rocks to slide down onto the roadway. People traveling to or from Huntsville will need to take SR 158 and loop north around the reservoir, or use state Route 167, the Trapper's Loop Highway. (The road may reopen later Tuesday.)

Major flooding trouble spots are pinpointed on the map on this website: http://mapserv.utah.gov/UtahWaterFlows.

The map also shows flow rates for major streams through the state. That information can be very valuable as you plan water-related activities.

Significant flood problems are reported or predicted for the following areas:
- Weber River at Gateway
- Lost Creek above Croyden
- Little Bear River at Paradise
- Sevier River near Hatch
- Colorado River Near State Line
- Green River at Jensen
- Ogden River below Pineview Reservoir
- South Fork Ogden River near Huntsville
- Black's Fork Near Little America in Wyoming

Friday, May 27, 2011

Park City Mountain Resort Kicks Off Summer Season

Today Park City Mountain Resort officially opened for its summer season, bringing back popular activities and offering several new attractions. Key summer attractions at the resort include:
  • Alpine Slides
  • Alpine Coaster
  • ZipRider
Other resorts will quickly follow suite. Snowbird will soon start summer activities even while it continues to offer skiing on weekends - the resort plans to offer skiing through July 4.

Park City provided the news release below:

Enduring Favorites and New Adventures on Tap this Summer at Park City Mountain Resort

May 24, 2011

Park City, Utah (May 25, 2011) – Park City Mountain Resort kicks off its popular summer season on Friday, May 27. Guests can experience a variety of adventures including the Alpine Slides, Alpine Coaster, ZipRider and lift-served hiking and biking. In addition, the Resort Base Area offers activities for all ages including a climbing wall, miniature golf, Legacy Launcher trampoline and Little Miners Park. Resort access to and from Historic Main Street via the Town Lift begins Friday, June 10.

“Our summer operations crew has done an exceptional job preparing the Resort for opening day,” said Tom Pettigrew, director of summer operations at Park City Mountain Resort. “There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than spending the day in the mountains with the family riding the Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster, one of our zip lines or simply enjoying the activities in the Base Area.”

In addition to the activities, Park City Mountain Resort’s summertime food and beverage options include lunch, dinner and cocktails at Legends Bar & Grill; coffee and pastries at Kristi’s Coffee Café; the Dippin Dots and Snowie stands; and new for summer 2011, Crescent Burger, serving burgers and homemade shakes and fries, for both lunch and dinner.

This summer Park City Mountain Resort will introduce two new adventures. The Flying Eagle Zip Line allows two riders (42” or taller) to ride side-by-side as the 750-foot line pulls them up to the top for a thrilling ride back to the Base Area. And in the new Adventure Zone, kids 36 to 54 inches tall can explore a variety of adventure-oriented activities including a bouldering area, climbing wall, spider-web climbing area and more. These new adventures are slated to open later this summer.

Summer adventures are open daily through mid-October. For pricing and hours, please visit parkcitymountain.com.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Ski Season Was 2nd Best Ever

Our ski season lingers on. It has been a very good year for all Utah resorts, and Snowbird now plans to keep some lifts running through July 4th.

But most numbers are in and officials say the 2010-11 season will go down as the 2nd best ever.

First Tracks has this article about Snowbird’s extended season. Below is an excerpt.

Snowbird is still covered top to bottom with a base of snow measured at 177 inches at mid mountain, thanks to 760 inches of snowfall season to date. This includes five inches received in the past 24 hours and more snowfall is in the forecast for this coming weekend. Snowbird remains skiable from boundary to boundary thanks to the unbroken cover of deep snow. Some portions of the in-bounds ski area are now designated backcountry areas accessible through gates that open only when conditions permit.

The Salt Lake Tribune has this article about the 2010-11 season. Here are excerpts.

Total skier days this season will come in about 4.2 million, up close to 4 percent from the 2009-10 winter, which now slips to fifth place on Ski Utah’s all-time list. The record — 4,249,190 skier days in 2007-08 — does not appear to be endangered, no matter how many people take advantage of Snowbird’s extended season.

“We had a great year,” said resort spokesman Jared Winkler. “The good snow we got in November let us open early, and the holiday [visitors] knew we were ready to go. And the snow kept on coming. We finished up great, staying open a little longer than normal because of interest and great snow conditions.”

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Timp Cave Set To Open, Cedar Breaks Delayed By Snow

Timpanogos Cave may open this weekend, if park officials determine that the access trail is safe. Watch the National Park Service website for the exact date.

The cave often opens as early as Mother’s Day weekend, but it was delayed this year while crews made improvements to the trail. Now, heavy rain and soggy soil has caused some rocks to fall on the trail. Workers are clearing them and evaluating future danger.

The cave will be open on a reduced schedule later this summer and fall, to allow crews to build a new exit shelter.

The Provo Herald has this article about cave trail improvements and schedule.

Cedar Breaks
The scenic drive through Cedar Breaks National Monument will not open until about June 10 because deep snow still remains in the area.

The Spectrum newspaper has this article about the route. It says crews have to dig through drifts up to 15 feet deep to clear the road. Here’s a quote:

"Warmer temperatures in the forecast mean there is a chance the park could open sooner. Daphne Sewing, chief of education and partnerships, suggested potential visitors go to the website www.nps.gov/cebr to watch for an earlier opening date.

"The Cedar Breaks Visitor Center will open for the season after the road through the park reopens. The Point Supreme Campground normally opens by mid-June, but with the unusually high amount of snow, campers should call the park ahead of their visit and check on the status of campsites as well as other visitor facilities."

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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Utah Lake Festival Canceled Because Of Flooding

Many Utah rivers are flowing at or near flood stage, and the high water is inhibiting some recreational activities. It will be another week or two before flows peak and so people need to use caution as they more outdoors for the Memorial Day Weekend.

So far no major roads have been affected.

Some facilities at Utah Lake State Park are being closed because of high water, and the popular Utah Lake Festival has been canceled this year.

The Salt Lake Tribune has this article about the canceled festival. Here’s a quote:

The Utah Lake Commission is canceling the 7-year-old Utah Lake Festival, scheduled for June 4, because of rising lake levels that have flooded parking areas at Utah Lake Park.

The Central Utah Water Conservancy District says the lake’s level has increased by almost a foot during the past two weeks, bringing it 1.5 feet above the 4,489.045-foot compromise level. When the lake reaches that level, water managers are required to open control gates.


Connect2Utah.com offers these tidbits:

The south boat ramp, north and south jetties, concession area and south parking lot at Utah Lake State Park are closed until further notice due to flooding. The north boat ramp, campgrounds, and day-use facilities remain open.

Utah Lake State Park Manager Hunter encourages visitors to obey caution signs and avoid high water areas. For updated information, please call Utah Lake State Park at 801-375-0731.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Activities For Memorial Day Weekend

Many people will be hitting the road, traveling to Utah national parks, state parks and other recreation areas over Memorial Day Weekend. Highways will be busy as the long weekend begins and ends.

Utah’s Department of Transportation offers these travel tips for the weekend.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Miller Motorsports Park is hosting a mega-event it calls the Big M Weekend, featuring:
  • SBK World Superbike Racing
  • Dierks Bentley Saturday Concert with Sawyer Brown and Reckless Kelly supporting acts
  • Sunday Concert: Creedence Clearwater Revisited
  • F-16 Flyover
  • Military Displays
  • Stunt Bike Shows
  • Much More
See this website for more info.

The Deseret News has this article with an extensive list of weekend activities.

Friday, May 20, 2011

How To Houseboat At Lake Powell

Houseboating season has now started at Lake Powell. The big lake is considered one of the best houseboating destinations in the world and there is still time to reserve a boat for your summer vacation.

A houseboat is great because it provides most of the comforts of home, including air conditions, flash toilets and comfy beds. It is great fun to take the houseboat to a remote location on the lake, then use it as base camp to ski, fish, kayak and otherwise explore the area.

Renting and operating a houseboat is a unique experience that takes considerable planning. The Salt Lake Tribune has this good article giving basic info about how to houseboat Powell. Below are excerpts.

A flight attendant from Sanpete County, a teacher from Seattle, grandparents from Panguitch and a retired couple from St. George might hail from different backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common: They wanted to learn how to operate a houseboat at Lake Powell.

So, on a cool but sunny day in early May, they gathered at the Wahweap Marina with Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas instructors Maggie Cummins and Tom “Mouse” Martin for a day on the big reservoir.

They learned basic skills such as tying up and docking the boat, anchoring it to a beach, using its electronic devices, operating the radio, handling and beaching a 75-foot boat, learning to drive a power boat, emptying the gray and black water tanks and gassing up toys.

“I like to be prepared,” said Adrienne Pichette, of Mount Pleasant, who plans to bring 25 friends and family, mostly from Boston, to Lake Powell for a houseboating vacation she described as “  ‘Survivor’ meets ‘Dancing With the Stars’ meets ‘Iron Chef Challenge.’ ”

One good time is from September until the second week of October, largely because school is in session and better deals are available. Water temperatures in Lake Powell remain high enough to swim and wakeboard.

“My level of anxiety was really high,” said Francis. “Now I’m much more comfortable. This program opens up things for people who have not done this before.”

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Should The Government Sell Off Federal Land In Utah?

As part of a move to ease federal budget shortfalls, a Florida Congressman is suggesting the government sell Utah.

Or, at least, sell some of the vast tracks of land it owns here.

Here's a quote from this news report:

Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fl.) told Reuters "The federal government owns 70 percent of Utah, there are federal buildings, if you need cash let’s start liquidating."

To clarify, there are few building included in the 70% of Utah owned by the federal government. The federal holdings include our national parks, forests, monuments and recreation areas, plus remote backcountry play areas where nobody lives.

But there are serious proposals on the table for the government to sell specific land parcels. Before such actions take place, public hearings are held and people are given the chance to participate in the decision-making process.

Below are more excepts from the report.

Utah has nearly 33 million acres of federal land in the state and U.S. Senator Mike Lee wants to tack on for sale signs to certain lands and giveaway others.

But Senate Bill 635, co-sponsored by Senators Lee and John McCain (R-Az.) would sell off federal lands in the west, including Utah.

"It's been more than a decade since the land was deemed suitable for disposal and there is no critical need for the federal government to hold onto it," said Senator Lee in a prepared statement.

He estimates that the sale of 3.3 million acres throughout the west would bring in more than a billion dollars.

"I think that's one of the most short-sighted ideas I've heard," said Mark Heileson of Utah’s Sierra Club. "When you think of what's valuable for the people of Utah it's public lands. It's where we go fishing and hunting and camping with our families."

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Zion Park Looking For Artist In Residence

Zion National Park is accepting applications for its Artist-in-Residence Program. The program gives selected artists with opportunity to live in Zion Canyon for four weeks and devote time and energy to developing works of art inspired by the park.

The park provided the news release below:

Zion National Park Accepting Artist-in-Residence Applications for 2011-2012

Zion National Park is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Artist-in-Residence Program. Applications for the program are available at www.nps.gov/zion/supportyourpark and will be accepted through July 22, 2011. The Artist-in-Residence Program provides selected artists with the opportunity to live in Zion Canyon for four weeks and devote their time and energy to developing works of art inspired by the park. As part of the residency, artists will present two public programs and donate, at the park's choosing, an original piece of artwork that represents their experience within the park.

Artists have been an important part of the national park system for over a century. Their work has impacted the establishment, expansion, and direction of our national parks, while creating a permanent record of these treasured places. Zion National Park continues this tradition by providing artists the chance to draw inspiration from the park's sweeping landscapes and significant cultural resources. Selected artists will have the opportunity to translate this beauty into artwork that will bring new insights, enjoyment, and understanding of this unique desert sanctuary.

The Artist-in-Residence Program is supported by Zion National Park, in partnership with the Zion Natural History Association and Southern Utah University's College of Performing and Visual Arts. Artists are selected by a jury of park staff, faculty from Southern Utah University's College of Performing and Visual Arts, and staff from the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery. Selections are made based on the merit of the applicant's work and how well the work reflects the mission of Zion National Park and the National Park Service.

Please visit www.nps.gov/zion for more information about the Artist-in-Residence Program. Interested artists may also contact the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator at 435-772-0184 or Zion_Artist_in_Residence@nps.gov

Monday, May 16, 2011

Salt Lake City Has Some Of The Best Hamburgers In America

Travel + Leisure has this article describing its search for the best hamburgers in the US. It's conclusion? Houston is the best city in the US for burgers. And Salt Lake City camehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif in at #2.

Below are excerpts from the article and accompanying slide show, raveling the ultimate American comfort food.

Which American city does burgers best? That inspires a lot of debate—but now Travel +Leisure readers have picked a winner. In our annual America's Favorite Cities survey, readers weighed in on the best features of 35 cities. While some categories had obvious contenders (like Chicago for pizza or Seattle for coffee), the race for the best burger seemed wide open.

No. 2 Salt Lake Cityhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Locals have lined up in droves ever since the streamlined burgers of In-N-Out have come to town, but otherwise the area's burger personality is quite a bit more decadent—as in, pastrami burgers. To try a quarter-pound patty piled high with more beef, check out Crown Burger, where they also add Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, onions, and cheese.

On a personal note, I've been going to Crown Burger for many years. It's my favorite.

In addition, the Salt Lake Tribune has this article on Utah’s signature foods.

- Dave Webb

Friday, May 13, 2011

Mountain Roads, Trails Are Slow To Open This Season

Today I enjoyed a fun hike to the lower waterfall in Bells Canyon, in SE Salt Lake Valley. The weather was perfect, warm but not too hot, and the waterfall is spectacular.

I was surprised to find deep snow on the trail in some spots. Just below the waterfall we had to hike through a long section where the trail was completely covered by snow.

Other hikers report similar conditions on many mountain trails. They are slow to open up this year, because of all the snow that fell during winter and spring.

Mountain roads like Hwy 150 will also be slow to open. This article has information about road openings. It may be mid-June before some mountain roads will open.

The trailhead for the Bells Canyon hike is at 10245 South on Wasatch Blvd. It is well marked and easy to find. The hike is moderately strenuous. It is only 4 miles round trip to the lower falls, but it is ratted as moderate because it is very steep.

It was a fun hike, well worth the effort.

- Dave Webb

Road Trip To Build Support For Utah State Parks

Six people are making an epic trip to visit all 43 Utah state parks within a 3-day period, to encourage public and governmental support for the facilities.

Earlier this year, Utah legislators considered closing some parks because of a project budget shortfall. Instead, they decided to keep all parks open but elected to cut funding. Organizers hope this trip will help draw attention to the parks, the resources they provide, and encourage support.

KSL has this article about the trip. KSL Radio personality Tim Hughes in on the trip and he plans to do his Saturday morning KSL Outdoors show from one of the parks. The group will also post blogs and videos about the trip, which can be seen on this website.

Below are excerpts from the news article.

Taking off from Antelope Island and winding throughout the state, the trip is intended to build awareness and support for Utah's struggling parks system, and will be thoroughly documented with photos, videos and blogs posted to the group's website. All this will happen over a grueling but daring three days, requiring travel throughout the night. They'll visit some parks, such as Red Fleet, as late as 4:30 a.m.

Earlier this year, the Utah Parks and Recreation Division lost a staggering 59 percent of its ongoing funds for 2011-12 due to budget cuts imposed by lawmakers that amount to $2.8 million. As a result, the trip is now not only about fun, but also about preserving the parks' existence.

"With the announcements of the budget cuts at the state parks, [the trip] took on a whole new meaning," Barbara Riddle said. "People need to remember the state parks that they have in their community and their state."

She (State Parks Director Mary Tullius) also said that the road trip could not have come at a better time and hopes it will help people know how much there is to do on public lands. She is also making sure that there is a supporter of the parks system to greet the road-trippers at every stop, regardless of the time of day, to help keep the adventurers going given their grueling schedule.

They'll also have their "passport" stamped at every stop. The latest parks field guide has a passport style format which allows visitors to keep track of every place they have visited.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Visitor Center Proposed For Bonneville Salt Flats At ‘Tree Of Utah’

As you drive I-80 west of Salt Lake City, you cut across the starkly desolate Bonneville Salt Flats. Along the way you pass what is called the “Tree of Utah,” a large sculpture that somewhat resembles a giant saguaro cactus with tennis balls on top.

The Salt Flats are a major Utah attraction and the Tree has long been a curiosity. Now the creator wants to add a visitor center to the site. He has drawn up plans and is in talks with state leaders.

The Republic newspaper, Columbus, Indiana, has this article about the proposal. Below are excerpts.

Some find the man-made tree fascinating, others have used it for target practice over the years. But the world-famous artist who fell in love with Utah's desert 30 years ago, wants to make his artwork more accessible and has begun meeting with state officials to make that happen.

(Karl) Momen became fascinated with what he calls the magnificent desert landscape driving to and from California 25 years ago. He designed a tree, signifying life in a place seemingly void of life.

To protect the work from vandals, a metal fence surrounds it. Momen wants to give the area new life and has now designed a visitors center with an overlook, cafe, souvenir shop, restrooms and parking. He envisions something serene. "You sit there . and you don't have any interruption of traffic, buildings, anything, just plain desert."

He says his sculpture remains internationally popular, largely because of the Internet. Between August and October, more than 1.2 million people saw the "tree" on Facebook and YouTube, he said.

Momen estimates the cost for the center will be between $1 million and $3 million. He says he has out-of-state donors, foundations in the Silicon Valley.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

New Video Showcases Utah's San Rafael Swell Country

Emery County Travel has posted a new video to Youtube, which highlights the San Rafael Swell and other local attractions.

The area includes some spectacular country. In addition to the Swell, the video gives an overview of Goblin Valley, Millsite, Huntington and Green River state parks.

The video is presented below.

Monday, May 09, 2011

Flood Watch Issued For Northern Utah

Heavy rain and melting snow are combining to create flood danger in some areas in northern Utah. Highways and other major roads probably will not be affected. Some secondary roads and many backcountry roads could be flooded in some spots.

The water in our rivers is high, cold and running fast. Fishing and other activities on rivers is not recommended at this time. Parents need to keep close watch on children and keep them away from streams and rivers.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Blacksmith Fork River, located near Logan in northern Utah. Other areas in northern Utah are under a flood watch, which will remain in effect through this evening.

This news article has more information. Below are excerpts.

In Logan, residents have already seen minor flooding. Property owner Rachel King helped her renters move their possessions out of her yard to a safer place Sunday.

Logan city crews are pumping water to alleviate threats to the Country Manor subdivision. Dan Veronick expects the subdivision will flood in the next day or two and the city will essentially force them out.

The following waterways were at or near flood stage Monday morning:
- Weber River near Oakley and Gateway
- Blacksmith Fork near Hyrum
- Little Bear River near Paradise
- Green River near Glendale
- Chalk Creek near Coalville

Sunday, May 08, 2011

We Caught A Lot Of Fish At Lake Powell

I just returned from a very enjoyable long weekend trip to Lake Powell. Our primary interest was fishing and we were not disappointed - we caught a lot of fish.

The weather was most beautiful - cool and calm in the morning and then hot and breezy in the afternoon. The lake's water was still cold - too cold to enjoy swimming or water sports. We know that for a fact because we all waded in, but only stayed in for a couple of minutes before our legs stated to go numb. It was chilly.

We launched at Bullfrog and camped on the beach in a nice cove just off the main channel, up near Hansen Creek. From there we explored and fished several canyons.

We targeted smallmouth bass and found them virtually everywhere broken rock comes down into the water. We fished plastic jigs, working them down into the rocks where the bottom was about 10 feet deep, and caught several nice fish, along with many, many small ones.

We spent a little time fishing for other species and caught one walleye. Striped bass fishing has been hot on the lower lake. We graphed many fish that appeared to be suspended stripers but they did not show any interest in the lures we offered.

All in all it was a great trip, with perfect weather and cooperative fish.

The water sport season usually gets going strong on Memorial Day weekend. By that time the water has warmed enough to make it pleasant to ski, wake board, swim and ride tubes.

Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest weekends on the lake. All marinas will be busy then and camping areas close to the marinas will be crowded. But if you boat away from the easy access points you can find great conditions without crowds.

Powell is one of my favorite places on earth and I'm anxious to get back down there.

- Dave Webb

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Discover 'the other Southern Utah'

The title of this post comes from this St George Magazine article, which describes recreational opportunities in the Moab area.

I found it interesting because St George and Moab compete somewhat for the travelers. Both are very popular tourist spots with great recreational opportunities.

St George is in SW Utah and is the gateway to Zion National Park. It is surrounded by state parks. It's mild weather make it a year-round destination for golfers, hikers, bikers and other enthusiasts.

Moab is in SE Utah. It is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park and numerous other attractions.

Travelers usually need to choose east or west, it is difficult to take in both during one trip.

The article was written mostly for St George residents, to give them ideas about travel to the other edge of the state.

Read it, if you would like to see a St George guy's take on Moab.

- Dave Webb

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Peak Spring Fishing Approaches At Lake Powell

I think I'll go fishing at Lake Powell this weekend. All reports indicate the action should be very good - perhaps the best it is even been at the big reservoir.

Striped bass, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are the primary species people target at this time of year, but fishing will probably also be good for walleye, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.

Action usually picks up during early spring and becomes red hot about the first week of May. Success continues strong for a few weeks, then settles back to just really good through the hot months of summer. Success picks up again in the late summer and fall.

Wayne Gustaveson is the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologist who manages fishing on the Utah side of the lake. He updates this weekly fishing report with very good, specific info to help anglers find success. Here are a couple quotes from his latest report:

"All the variables are now falling into place. The best spring fishing of the year will happen in the next 10 days. Water temperature will now rise as warmer days without wind are in the forecast. Bass that have tried to spawn but were thwarted by cooling will be able to complete the task in earnest. Stripers kept at bay by cool temperatures will break loose in the middle portion of the lake where bait fishing action has been slower. Lake Powell is warming, rising and fishing success will follow suit. The only caution is to react quickly. Runoff that has been slow to come will now flow downstream in gushes. Rapidly rising water will make shoreline fishing more difficult within the coming weeks. So come now. It's time."

"Bass and crappie fishing will be hot in the next 10 days as water temperature increases to 65 degrees. Look for beds as long as visibility allows. Rapidly rising water will reduce visibility and sight-fishing success soon. Crappie will be in the thickest brush available in the backs of the canyons where bottom depth is 10-15 feet. Stained water is usually better for crappie than clear water. Walleye fishing will improve and peak toward the end of May."

Seriously, I'm heading down to enjoy some of the hot action. I plan to launch at Bullfrog and boat upstream. I'll camp on some remote beach and fish nearby canyons.

Powell's water is still a little too cool for me to enjoy skiing and other water sports. Some die-hards will be out. Actually, I've skied at Powell in March and it wasn't that bad. But the water sport season really begins in June.

Right now fishing demands people's attention. I'll let you know how I do.

- Dave Webb

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Archaeology Week Offers Free Events Around Utah

Utah Archaeology Week runs May 7 - 14. It offers free lectures, field trips and other activities at various sites around the state.

Statewide events will give you insight into groups who made their lives here for thousands of years before people started writing history.

The week begins with State History’s annual Archaeology Week Open House at the Rio Grande Depot on Saturday, May 7, 2011, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The open house includes:
  • hands-on activities for kids
  • spear and atlatl throwing
  • Navajo tacos
  • demonstrations of prehistoric technology.
See the calendar of events for the week.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Warm Weather Will Bring Increased Road Construction In Utah

As the weather warms, more road construction projects will be unfurled and more traffic delays will result, as Utah's Department of Transportation works for long-range highway improvements.

UDOT updates this web page to provide current info on projects that impact travel.

This news article describes anticipated summer projects. Below are excerpts.

"We're working continuously on all of our state roads to make them safer," Mashburn said. Safety includes the installation of concrete or cable-median barriers to keep vehicles on the right sides of the road during any unforeseen incidents.

UDOT crews will try to do most of the road work during off-peak hours and on nights and weekends, Mashburn said, to avoid already congested commute times throughout the year. They are also using various innovative techniques to make the projects least invasive to drivers.

In some cases, a quick-drying cement material will be used to minimize impacts on traffic. UDOT has already employed the use of "bridge-farms," where bridges and overpasses are built to the side of the road instead of in place and later moved in just a few hours, to cut down the time traffic is detoured or blocked from the affected areas.

In addition to the ongoing Utah County I-15 Corridor Expansion and the Mountain View Corridor project, sections of highways are set to be resurfaced and reinforced to provide improved performance, lanes will be added in areas with highest demands, and bridges will also be replaced. In addition, upgrades to exits and interchanges will take place, resulting in more efficient and safe traffic flow in areas throughout the state.
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