Why El Niño Snow May Not Solve Lake Mead Water Crisis
Summary
El Niño is a weather pattern that usually brings wetter winters to the southern U.S., but it may not help increase snowpack or water supply in the Colorado River Basin. Lake Mead, a major reservoir, is at a record low due to drought and low snowpack, and experts say El Niño does not reliably improve conditions there.Key Facts
- El Niño is a climate pattern with warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
- It often causes wetter and stormier weather in the southern U.S. during winter.
- This year’s El Niño is expected to be very strong, possibly historic in strength.
- Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, is at its lowest level since it was filled 90 years ago.
- Lake Mead supplies water to about 40 million people in seven states.
- The Colorado River Basin’s water mostly comes from snowpack in its upper mountains.
- Experts say El Niño does not reliably affect snowpack or water supply in this basin.
- Other factors like spring weather, soil moisture, warming, and evaporation also impact runoff and reservoir levels.
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