Nature
Lake Powell and Lake Mead Water Levels Expected to Rise This Summer, According to Hydrologists
Lake Powell and Lake Mead water levels expected to rise this summer, according to hydrologists. Drought still not over.
According to Paul Miller, service coordination hydrologist with the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center, Lake Powell is expected to rise by nearly 69 feet by the end of July, while Lake Mead will go up by nearly 12 feet.
This is based on a 24 month study, and will bring Lake Powell from 24% full to 43% full, and Lake Mead from 29% full to 31% full. Despite this, the decades-long drought is not over, and continued conservation efforts are needed.
The U.S. Department of the Interior is expected to make a final decision on cutbacks to Colorado River water supply later this summer.