Projected runoff to Lake Powell has dropped to just 5 million acre-feet (52% of average) due to unusually high temperatures despite near-normal precipitation. Lake Powell was noted at elevation 3,528 feet, and Cordero reported Reclamation projects it could fall below 3,500 feet later this year — about 10 feet above the dam's minimum power pool — and Reclamation expects to reduce releases to Lake Mead (already cut from 8.23 to 7.48 million acre-feet). Basin states missed the February 14 negotiation deadline for new operating guidelines, and short-term reservoir operating rules are still being discussed.
Already have an account? Sign In
