From Newsweek · · 1m 10s
Tropical Storm Rachel Fails to Boost Lake Mead Water Levels
Tropical Storm Rachel's rain caused flash floods but barely raised Lake Mead's water level amid a severe drought.
In brief
Tropical Storm Rachel's rain caused flash floods but barely raised Lake Mead's water level amid a severe drought. Tropical Storm Rachel's rainfall caused flash flooding but increased Lake Mead's water level by only 0.1 foot over four days. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Tropical Storm Rachel
Tropical Storm Rachel dumped heavy rain across Southern California and the Southwest, causing flash flooding.
Lake Mead Water Levels
Lake Mead's water level rose only 0.1 foot from October 8 to October 11 despite heavy rainfall.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall totals ranged from 0.48 to 2.37 inches, causing flash flooding in valleys and mountains.
Geographical Disconnect
Lake Mead is fed by the Colorado River system, so rainfall must reach specific areas to significantly boost its water levels.
Long-Term Drought
The Colorado River Basin has experienced an unprecedented drought for 26 years, with Lake Mead and Lake Powell at record lows.
Why One Storm Isn't Enough
A single storm cannot resolve the Colorado River's long-term water deficit, which requires sustained rainfall over the basin.
The short version
Tropical Storm Rachel's rainfall caused flash flooding but increased Lake Mead's water level by only 0.1 foot over four days.
