Lake Powell reaching critically low elevation levels, experts say
Summary
Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the U.S., is nearing critically low water levels that threaten hydropower production. The water level is just about 34 feet above the minimum needed to generate power and could soon fall below that, causing serious concerns for water supply in the western states.Key Facts
- Lake Powell's water level is currently at 3,524.3 feet above sea level.
- The "dead power pool" level, below which hydropower cannot be produced, starts at 3,490 feet.
- The reservoir is about 27 percent full, holding roughly 5.52 million acre-feet of water.
- The lake has lost about 4,800 acre-feet of water daily since June 1, 2026.
- If water falls to 3,370 feet, Lake Powell will reach "dead pool," stopping water flow by gravity downstream.
- Millions of people in Arizona, California, and Nevada rely on Lake Powell's water.
- The Colorado River Basin suffers from the lowest snowpack ever recorded, worsening water shortages.
- Some rain and snow might come due to monsoon season and El Niño but will not solve long-term drought problems.
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