Lake Powell Reaches Lowest Recorded Level

Why it matters locally: Wyoming is one of the seven states within the Colorado River Compact, which dictates water allocation from the Colorado River Basin. While Lake Powell directly impacts states further downstream, Wyoming's water rights and future allocations could be affected by prolonged drought and historically low reservoir levels within the system.

Lake Powell, a significant reservoir in the Colorado River system, has registered its lowest water level since its creation. This milestone occurred approximately one week after Lake Mead, another major reservoir on the river, also reached a historic low. Millions of people in the Western United States depend on Lake Powell for both water and electricity. The reservoir serves as a primary storage facility for the Colorado River, which supplies water to seven states and parts of Mexico. Additionally, Glen Canyon Dam, located at Lake Powell, generates hydroelectric power. Federal agencies and state officials have monitored the declining water levels in the Colorado River Basin for an extended period. Drought conditions have contributed to the reduced inflow into both Lake Powell and Lake Mead.