Lake Powell hits record low, threatening water supply and power
Federal officials said Lake Powell fell to a record low of 3,519. 91 feet on 15 August, the deepest level ever recorded, raising immediate concerns about water deliveries and hydroelectric generation for the Colorado River basin.
The low was first reported on 15 August as the lake’s lowest recorded elevation, prompting worries about power generation and water supplies for the Southwest. Later reports noted that Lake Powell now joins Lake Mead in unprecedented scarcity, and officials warned that continued declines could force cuts to agricultural water use.
Actors
Bureau of Reclamation
Peter Goble
Aaron Weiss
Center for Western Priorities
Federal officials
Locations
Lake Powell
Utah
Arizona
Lake Mead
Hoover Dam
Colorado River
Rocky Mountains
Colorado
California
Mexico
