From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Lake Powell hits record low as emergency water releases continue
The Upper Colorado River Basin is draining its reserves to keep the nation's second-largest reservoir from collapsing.
In brief
The Upper Colorado River Basin is draining its reserves to keep the nation's second-largest reservoir from collapsing. Lake Powell has fallen to just 21 percent capacity, forcing officials to release 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir through April 2027 to prevent catastrophic water shortages across…
Emergency water releases approved through 2027
Officials agreed to continue releasing water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir through April 2027 to support Lake Powell's critically low levels. The Bureau of Reclamation will release 1 million acre-feet total.
Lake Powell hits record low of 21 percent
Lake Powell and Lake Mead both reached record-low elevations in August, with Powell at just 21 percent capacity. Their combined contents are lower than any point since the dam's gates closed in 1963.
Worst snowpack on record worsens drought
The winter of 2025-26 brought the lowest observed snowpack on record, compounding a multidecadal drought and historically low runoff. Federal officials cite these factors alongside continuing water demands.
Colorado River supports 40 million people
The Colorado River spans 1,400 miles and its basin covers 250,000 square miles across seven U.S. states and Mexico. About 40 million people depend on it for municipal water, while it sustains 5.5 million acres of farmland.
Local businesses face disruption from releases
Emergency releases disrupt marina operations, boat access, and fishing at Flaming Gorge. Marina owner Jen Valdez said falling water levels mean increasingly long distances to launch boats.
“Of course, we're concerned”
One good winter won't fix the system
Arizona State University's Sarah Porter says Lake Powell could recover somewhat with heavy snowpack this winter, but levels have declined over 25 years. Long-term stabilization requires more than one good season.
“levels at both Lake Mead and Lake Powell have ratcheted down over the last quarter century”
In short
Lake Powell has fallen to just 21 percent capacity, forcing officials to release 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir through April 2027 to prevent catastrophic water shortages across seven states.
