Collapse of Double Arch Falls

A beloved geological feature known as the Double Arch has collapsed in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, according to the National Park Service. The arch, which was a popular attraction for visitors, was situated over the turquoise waters of Lake Powell in Utah and had been referred to by various names, including the Toilet Bowl and the Crescent Pool. The collapse occurred on Thursday, with officials confirming the news on Friday. The National Park Service attributed the collapse to changing water levels and erosion caused by wave action. The Double Arch was formed from 190 million-year-old Navajo sandstone, a testament to the area's rich geological history. Michelle Kerns, the park's superintendent, emphasized the importance of protecting the mineral resources surrounding the lake, noting that such natural features have a finite lifespan influenced by both natural and human activities. The news of the arch's collapse quickly spread through online hiking and outdoor communities, prompting an outpouring of nostalgia and grief from past visitors. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, saw tributes to the arch, with users sharing videos of their experiences, including diving and somersaulting from its rim. The Double Arch was located in the Rock Creek Bay area of Lake Powell, which straddles southern Utah and northern Arizona, and attracted a record 5.2 million visitors last year. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of natural landmarks and the ongoing impact of environmental changes.