Warm weather deepens low Lake Powell water levels

The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center reports water supply forecasts are generally well below normal after a warm, dry winter; Lake Powell was about 26% full as of Wednesday.

Warm, dry winter conditions have left snowpack and soil moisture well below normal across much of the Colorado River basin, officials say. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center reported on Jan. 1 that water supply forecasts are generally well below normal. Record warmth and limited precipitation have reduced high‑elevation snow accumulation and spring‑runoff efficiency. Reservoirs such as Lake Powell are being closely monitored because they supply water and hydropower across the western United States. Key facts: - The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center said water supply forecasts are generally well below normal for the basin. - CBRFC reported the January 1 snow‑covered area in the Upper Colorado River Basin at about 28 percent of the 2001–2025 median, the lowest on record. - CBRFC water scientist Cody Moser described current conditions as "extremely poor" and noted warm storms have caused high‑elevation snowmelt instead of accumulating snow. - Lake Powell was reported at roughly 26 percent full with about 6.4 million acre‑feet in storage, and CBRFC estimated inflow this year at about 57 percent of normal (1991–2020). Summary: Officials say low snowpack, dry soils, and record warmth have reduced expected spring runoff and left reservoir storage at low levels. The status is currently one of reduced water supply relative to typical years, and officials have highlighted the shortfall. Undetermined at this time.