Lake Powell water levels finally rising

A picture of Lake Powell at sunset.
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March 23, 2023 — Colorado’s Aspen JournalismOpens in a new tab. reports that Lake Powell’s elevation has gained six inches since last week, thanks to above-average snow and precipitation this winter.

Storage capacity at the nation’s second-largest reservoir is offset by sedimentation, accounting for the Bureau of Reclamation’s calculation of a 4% reduction in storage capacity.  Aspen reports that “on March 19, the reservoir was 21.86% full (with a total capacity based on a 1986 sedimentation survey) or 22.8% full (based on updated 2017-18 sedimentation data). ”

The impact of the recent exceptionally rainy and snowy winter on the lake and the broader Colorado River remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that there will be a beneficial outcome, given that almost all states in both the upper and lower river basins are experiencing moisture levels exceeding 100% of the averageOpens in a new tab..

Nevada’s 8 News NowOpens in a new tab. warns that although there is good news for now, it is unlikely that there will be an appreciable difference in water supply at Lake Mead, the largest reservoir on the system and site of Hoover Dam.  The news site notes that “one good year will not save us from climate change.”

 

 

Deborah

Since 1995, Deborah has owned and operated LegalTech LLC with a focus on water rights. Before moving to Arizona in 1986, she worked as a quality control analyst for Honeywell and in commercial real estate, both in Texas. She learned about Arizona's water rights from the late and great attorney Michael Brophy of Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. Her side interests are writing (and reading), Wordpress programming and much more.

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Laura
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Laura
March 24, 2023 10:16 am
Yay & ugh! Yay on the progress, but ugh on the capacity percentages. Those are still dreadful numbers but man, have we had a wet winter. More snow today and they say “April showers bring May flowers”.

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