The Roundup: Fire and drought squeeze the Colorado River Basin
Lake Powell is at 24% capacity, six major wildfires burn across the basin, and post-2026 Colorado River negotiations remain deadlocked.
The Roundup: Fire and drought squeeze the Colorado River Basin
Lake Powell is at 24% capacity, six major wildfires burn across the basin, and post-2026 Colorado River negotiations remain deadlocked.
Federal forecasters warn Lake Powell could lose hydropower capacity by spring 2027 as Colorado River inflows hit historic lows and key rules expire.
The Colorado River system sits at just 34% capacity. Seven states have missed every deadline. The federal government now has until October to act.