Jayhawk:
Thanks for the tip. That is some interesting imagery. It does look like the bridge is partially buried in mud.
I guess that is one way to preserve a bridge. Too bad we don't have Anonymous the Pompeiian. He could provide good information about buried structures (although this is in mud, not a pyroclastic flow).
New Google imagery confirms that this thing was out of the water and and dry last summer. It looks like it's partially sunken in mud.
We've had a lot of rain in central Kansas this month so it could be submerged again.
If I had a boat, I'd head out here this weekend. I've been fascinated by this bridge ever since I saw the video - I wonder how intact it is below the waterline.
Unfortunately, on Google Earth it looks like there's no good way to photograph it from the shore on public property otherwise I'd just bring out my long lens. I'm not sure if it's worth a hour and a half drive just to be frustrated by a row of trees or hill.
Water levels on Kansas lakes like this one haven't been lower since the 30's. I wonder if you could see more now than in the video posted.
Video of this bridge.
Great find! I have heard rumors of a submerged Marsh Arch bridge under this lake, but now we have confirmation!
I visited this bridge today via kayak. Council Grove Lake water level was at 1272.9 ft according to the Army Corps of Engineers. At this water level I was able to float across the silted bridge deck. I certainly wouldn't attempt to access the bridge with a motor boat at this lake level due to the number of submerged logs.