Federal water officials say major reservoirs on the Colorado River are likely to keep dropping as the Southwest continues to experience a prolonged drought.
The Bureau of Reclamation’s October 24-month study and two-year projections show by September 2022 Lake Powell will be about eight feet lower than last projections last month. The study also shows an increased potential for the lake to fall below the level where the Glen Canyon Dam can produce power.
In addition, officials say Lake Mead could drop to less than a foot above tier 2 shortage levels by the end of next year, and that there’s now about a 16% chance of further shortages in 2023.
In August, the federal government declared the first ever Colorado River shortage.
