The Roundup: Colorado River crisis hits farms and small towns
Lake Powell nears a critical level while farms, ranches and small towns across the Colorado River Basin struggle with shrinking water supplies.
Tag: Glen Canyon Dam
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.
A new report warns the Colorado River is losing water fast and outlines nine urgent reforms to prevent crisis across the West.
Reclamation resumes cool water flows from Glen Canyon Dam to control invasive bass and protect the humpback chub without disrupting hydropower.