How American Monsoon Will Impact Lake Powell, Mead Water Crisis in 2026
Summary
The North American monsoon is expected to bring more rain than usual in parts of the U.S. Southwest this summer, which may provide some short-term relief from drought. However, experts say this rain will not significantly improve the very low water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest U.S. reservoirs that rely mainly on mountain snow melting.Key Facts
- Lake Powell is 23% full, and Lake Mead is 27% full as of July 19, both well below normal levels.
- These lakes store water from the Colorado River, which serves cities, farms, and tribal areas in the West.
- The North American monsoon runs roughly from June 15 to September 30 and brings storms and rain to the Southwest.
- Forecasts predict above-average rainfall for parts of the Southwest during the 2026 monsoon season.
- Despite this, the monsoon rain will have little effect on the flow of the Colorado River or reservoir water levels.
- Most water (85-95%) filling these reservoirs comes from snow melting in the Rocky Mountains, not summer rains.
- Monsoon rains mainly help local farming by providing temporary water but do not greatly change reservoir supplies.
- Water inflow to Lake Powell for the coming year is expected to be much below average, only 36% of normal.
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