This has been one of the wettest years for the Rocky Mountains since the drought began 23 years ago.
The unprecedented snowfall reached 174% above median levels by mid-April. So far, the resulting
snowmelt has Lakes Powell and Mead at levels of 3,525 feet and 1,049 feet, respectively. The critical
threshold is 3,490 for Lake Powell and 950 for Lake Mead – if the water levels fall below these, the Lakes
are at deadpool and will not be able to continue producing hydropower. And the snow is still melting! It
is predicted that by the end of the year, the Lake levels are projected to be at 3,573 feet for Powell and
1,068 feet for Mead – both nearly 30 feet higher than previously predicted.
Just because water levels are increasing now, that doesn’t mean the Southwestern states don’t have to
agree on water cuts. During the 23-year drought, the wettest years have typically been followed by
some of the driest. Experts say it is unlikely that similar precipitation will happen next year. If the states
don’t make the cuts needed now, the water levels will continue to decline, and the region will struggle
to deliver the water needed to residents and businesses.
Cited Sources
Joe Duhownik/Courthouse News Service, Arizona Mirror May 8. “Lower Colorado River Water Users Anticipate Dry 2024, Deep Federal Cuts to Usage.” Arizona Mirror, 8 May 2023, www.azmirror.com/2023/05/08/lower-colorado-river-water-users-anticipate-dry-2024-deep-federal-cuts-to-usage/.