Lake Powell Runoff Forecast To Hit Record Low
Summary
Lake Powell, a major reservoir in the U.S. Southwest, is expected to receive only 13% of its usual water flow from April to July this year, marking the lowest level since it was created in 1963. This low inflow threatens water supply, farming irrigation, hydropower generation, and the overall health of the Colorado River system.Key Facts
- Lake Powell is part of the Colorado River system and supplies water to 40 million people and irrigates over 5 million acres of farmland.
- The reservoir is forecasted to get about 800,000 acre-feet of water from April to July, down from the typical 6.15 million acre-feet (13% of normal).
- Water levels are very low, with the reservoir at 23% full as of May 9 and only 39% of average storage for this time of year.
- A dry winter and a record warm March caused less snowpack and faster snowmelt, reducing water flow into the lake.
- Federal officials plan to release water from upstream Flaming Gorge Reservoir and reduce water flow downstream to Lake Mead to keep Lake Powell from dropping too low.
- These actions may affect future water supplies, local economies, recreational activities, fish populations, and hydropower production at Glen Canyon Dam.
- Above-average heat is expected in the western U.S., which could continue to reduce snowpack and water availability.
- Experts suggest moving toward sustainable water management instead of emergency fixes.
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