Powell’s looming power problem
Drought and demand threaten a critical component of the Western grid as Lake Powell approaches minimum power pool for the first time.
What is dead pool? A water expert explains
Lake Mead and Lake Powell could reach water levels low enough to halt hydropower production.
Two new Colorado River deals give parched Lake Powell temporary relief
Lake Powell will receive 1 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River as a short-term solution to drought, boosting lake levels and protecting hydropower production.
Special Report: As Lake Powell hits record lows, is filling a new drought pool...
The drought pool would be filled voluntarily, largely by farmers and ranchers, who would be paid to temporarily dry up their fields.
As the Colorado River shrinks, can the basin find an equitable solution in sharing...
Drought and climate change are raising concerns that a century-old compact that divided the river’s waters could force unwelcome cuts in use for the upper watershed.
Data viz: Lake Powell levels
Last update: September 21, 2022
Percent of total capacity
Source: US Bureau of Reclamation
Feds won’t do more emergency water releases to aid Lake Powell after this year
The releases from Flaming Gorge, Blue Mesa and Navajo reservoirs are designed to bolster hydropower production at the ailing Lake Powell.
Blue Mesa Reservoir releases to prop up Lake Powell impacting recreation
In an effort to prop up water levels at Lake Powell, water managers are negatively impacting recreation on Colorado’s biggest man-made lake.
Electric costs in Colorado set to surge as Lake Powell struggles to produce hydropower
A federal agency aims to offset rising costs linked to Lake Powell’s inability to produce as much hydropower due to drought.
Demand management discussions continue amid worsening Colorado River crisis
The crisis on the Colorado River is not waiting for the state of Colorado to develop a program to avoid water shortages.