KNAU's Melissa Sevigny reports. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Water Summary Today is day 136 of 365 for the Water Year 2023. For more information on the tools we use, consult, Upper Colorado Mainstem Specific Site Forecasts. Mitchell declined to discuss the pending drought operations plan. "We might get lucky with the weather, but the idea of the system recovering is really hard unless you reduce water use in that basin," Lund told Newsweek. About 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for domestic use and farmers and ranchers use water from the river to irrigate more than 3 million acres of farmland. google_color_text = "000000"; LAKE POWELL, Utah Lake Powell water levels continue to drop, and a new report released by the Bureau of Reclamation projects the possibility America's . By 2002, the lake level had dropped far enough that the exposed canyon walls created a pale outline around the lake. The unregulated inflow volume to Lake Powell during January was 361 thousand acre-feet (kaf) (107 percent of average). New 1991-2020 Averages being used this year. Much of that water. Its better than last year, but well just have to see what the next two to four weeks holds for precipitation.. Global warming is expected to make droughts more severe in the future. google_color_url = "426C95"; That projection is about 12 feet higher than the 2023 end-of-year mark in the bureau's forecast from December. "As a result of this update, the median water year 2022 inflow forecast into Lake Powell decreased by 800,000 acre-feet," USBR stated in a press release distributed Thursday. (Hugh Carey, The Colorado Sun), How Denver is spending the $41M from the Broncos sale, (720) 263-2338 Call, text, Signal or WhatsApp, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 8_9dyB`n`` +30|@,6a # Gas Prices on Lake In July 2021, water levels on the lake fell to the lowest point since 1969 and have continued dropping. An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder. These instantaneous release adjustments stabilize the electrical generation and transmission system and translate to a range of about 1,300 cfs above or below the hourly scheduled release rate. " 9`SADP zg Ab``#@ 7 3 Across the region, water utilities are in high-alert mode, preparing for another dry year on the Colorado River and holding hope that the Upper Basin reservoirs can be protected as long as possible from large-scale drought releases. The water level in Lake Powell was at a record low when rain and snow began to fall across the Colorado River Basin in October, soaking dry soils ahead of the winter season. As of September 20, 2021, the water elevation at Glen Canyon Dam was 3,546.93 feet, more than 153 feet below "full pool" (elevation 3,700 feet). Detailed Map of Powell google_ad_format = "160x600_as"; Reclamation will also ensure all appropriate consultation with Basin Tribes, the Republic of Mexico, other federal agencies, water users and non-governmental organizations with respect to implementation of these monthly and annual operations. Click below for water level and accessibity updates about the launch ramps and services near you. Gas Prices on Lake Sunlight brightens plateaus and southeast-facing slopes, casting shadows on the northern and western faces of the rugged landscape. //-->, Printable Version However, these responses can have a noticeable impact on the river downstream of Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell has several launch ramps along its 186-mile length. Get the most up to date information on Lake Powell's water levels and the status of launch ramps from the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and more with the links and pages below. Climate change also plays a part. The actual end of water year 2023 system storage may vary from this projection, primarily due to uncertainty regarding this seasons runoff and reservoir inflow. For additional information, the news release can be found here: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/4294. The grim forecast comes as water officials race to bolster Lake Powell's water levels. From there, a swing to the northeast delivers boats into Lake Powell's main artery. Among the dams on the Colorado is Arizonas Glen Canyon Dam, which creates Lake Powell. What's the weather forecast for 2050? With low-runoff conditions and . She also sits on the Upper Colorado River Commission. This was the lowest water levels have been since the lake was first constructed in the 1930s. Cheap sewer pipe repairs can push toxic fumes into homes and schools heres Hard water: In these metro neighborhoods, few drink the tap water. Lake Powell is at low for water year and down 9.26 feet from the high. However, the Bureau of Reclamation's 24-month forecast that was just released at the end of last week projects Lake Mead to be at 1,041.10 feet in January 2023. Previous forecasts showed this was possible and the Bureau of Reclamation announced on March 4 that a . She reported that, as of March 16, 2022, Lake Powell was at an elevation of 3,524.83 feet (ft.) with storage of 5.916 million acre-feet (maf) or 24 percent of capacity. google_ad_channel ="2397569894"; (At normal water levels, both rivers are essentially part of the reservoir.) Additionally, there are possible inflow scenarios that would result in reservoir elevations falling outside the ranges indicated in these reports. The forecast isnt great, said Kyle Whitaker, Colorado River Manager for the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, one of the largest diverters of water in the headwaters region of the river. Boats docked at Lake Powell on July 13 . Specifically, Reclamation modeled operations in WY 2023 as follows in the August and September 24-Month Studies: In accordance with the May 3rd Letter, consistent with the provisions of the 2007 Interim Guidelines, and to preserve the benefits to Glen Canyon Dam facilities from 2022 Operations into 2023 and 2024, Reclamation will consult with the Basin States on monthly and annual operations. Were an initiative of theCenter for Environmental Journalismat the University of Colorado Boulder. Part of the Glen Canyon Conservancy Family, Utah D.O.T Charles Hall Ferry for UT Route 276. The March 2023 releases are anticipated to fluctuate between a low of 5,276 cfs to a high of 9,641 cfs. SW Water Vapor, Accessibility of Launch Ramps, Primitive Launches and Other Sites His freelance The bureau, in consultation with tribal nations and the seven Colorado River Basin states, decided to keep nearly 500,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Powell that had originally been planned to be released to the Lower Basin states of Nevada, Arizona and California this year. In addition to the February 2023 24-Month Study based on the Most Probable inflow scenario, and in accordance with the Drought Response Operational Agreement (DROA)), Reclamation has conducted model runs in February to determine a possible range of reservoir elevations. The reservoir's levels rise after consistent rain or snowpack melt in the area. Lund said he expects water use in the basin to have "capped out," but the reservoir can't continue to supply water at the pace in which the area consumes it. Water supply forecast volumes decreased across most of the region, Moser said during the webinar. Wednesday snow and wind will be heavy at times leading to difficult if not impossible travel. Hourly releases during February 2023 will fluctuate from a low of approximately 5,797 cfs during the early morning hours to a high of 10,091 cfs during the afternoon and evening hours. google_ad_client = "pub-0146338466817273"; 192 0 obj <>stream At the beginning of the series in 1999, water levels in Lake Powell were relatively high, and the water was a clear, dark blue. google_ad_height = 600; Drop us a note at tips@coloradosun.com. Note that projections of elevation and storage for water year 2023 have significant uncertainty at this point in the season. monthly forecasts become more accurate. The grim forecast comes as water officials race to bolster Lake Powells water levels. These projections are critical for planning for an increasingly dry future in the Colorado River Basin, but a new paper from Utah State University says the model may still underestimate the risk. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species Success Stories. The declines were first apparent in the side canyons feeding the reservoir which thinned and then shortened. Lake Powell has fallen victim to excessive water use as a 20-year drought parches the region. Prepared by Ashley Nielson NOAA, National Weather Service Colorado Basin River Forecast Center Salt Lake City, Utah www.cbrfc.noaa.gov Contents a greater portion of the future hydrologic and climatic uncertainty becomes known and The unregulated inflow during the 2000-2022 period has ranged from a low of 2.64 maf (28 percent of average) in water year 2002 to a high of 15.97 maf (166 percent of average) in water year 2011. 15 Day Weather Forecast Combined with water withdrawals that many believe are not sustainable, the drought has caused a dramatic drop in Lake Powells water level. 159 0 obj <> endobj average basin temperatures and precipitation for the forecast period. For additional information, see the following news release: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/#/news-release/4196. He began his journalism career in New Hampshire, then moved West and became a reporter at the Lafayette News. Snow levels will fall to the lowest locations Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before the storm exits eastern Arizona Thursday afternoon. As of Wednesday, the water level was 3,524.22 feet. It took decades for Lake Powell to reach catastrophically low levels, and according to one expert . The Water Desk launched in April 2019 with support from the Walton Family Foundation. 2018 brought some relief after a wet winter. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where she fell in love with the ecology and geology of the Sonoran desert. endstream endobj 160 0 obj <>/Metadata 41 0 R/Pages 157 0 R/StructTreeRoot 59 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences 177 0 R>> endobj 161 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 792 612]/Parent 157 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 162 0 obj <>stream The annual release volume from Lake Powell during water year 2023 will be 7.77 maf under the Lower Elevation Balancing Tier and will balance the contents between Powell and Mead with annual release volumes from Glen Canyon Dam between 7.00 maf and 9.50 maf as determined under Section 6.D.1 and 7.D of the Interim Guidelines as determined by the Department of the Interior as described above. The lake held just 30 percent of its capacity. It wasnt just the Powell number that dipped, although the amount of runoff that makes its way to Powell each year is considered a good barometer for conditions basinwide. If you have feedback on content, format, or publication frequency, please contact us. Another 480 kaf will be left in Lake Powell by reducing Glen Canyon Dams annual release volume from 7.48 maf to 7.0 maf, as outlined in the 2007 Interim Guidelines that control operations of Glen Canyon Dam and Hoover Dam. 04:12 - Source: CNN The Glen Canyon Dam annual release has initially been set to 7.00 maf, and in April 2023 Reclamation will evaluate hydrologic conditions to determine if balancing releases may be appropriate under the conditions established in the 2007 Interim Guidelines; Balancing releases will be limited (with a minimum of 7.00 maf) to protect Lake Powell from declining below elevation 3,525 feet at the end of December 2023; Balancing releases will take into account operational neutrality of the 0.480 maf that was retained in Lake Powell under the. In July 2022, the lake reached a historic low of 1,040 feet above sea level. Even in low emission climate scenarios (forecasts that are based on the assumption that future carbon dioxide emissions will increase relatively slowly), models predict precipitation may decline by 20-25 percent over most of California, southern Nevada, and Arizona by the end of this century. Lake Powell water level at Wahweap Marina in September 2021 | Photo by Bureau of Reclamation, St. George News . Soil moisture conditions have improved over the last year across most of Colorados Western Slope, but thats not necessarily saying much because of how bad soil moisture conditions were heading into last years snowmelt runoff season, Moser said. According to Reclamation, there is a 27% chance that Powell will still stop generating electricity completely over the next four years. This level is actually .02 feet . Among the dams on the Colorado is Arizona's Glen Canyon Dam, which creates Lake Powell. In addition to daily scheduled fluctuations for power generation, the instantaneous releases from Glen Canyon Dam may also fluctuate to provide 40 megawatts (MW) of system regulation. These long-term projections help water managers plan for future shortages, which are increasingly likely in the Colorado River Basin, in part because of warmer temperatures brought on by global climate change. Water supply forecasts take into consideration present hydrometeorological conditions and use Because the 2022 operations were designed to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell, Reclamation will implement Lower Elevation Balancing Tier operations in a way that continues to protect these critical elevations, or preserves the benefits of the 2022 operations to protect Lake Powell, in water year 2023. By, What We Know, And What You Can Do To Help. Water availability, appropriate timing of releases, and impacts on other resources are all being considered as the 2022 Plan is being drafted.. Day 136 of 365 for the forecast period declines were first apparent in future!, consult, Upper Colorado Mainstem Specific Site Forecasts the next two to four weeks holds precipitation... Will fall to the lowest water levels the future not impossible travel accessibity updates about the launch and. Levels have been since the lake reached a historic low of 5,276 cfs to a high 9,641! Release can be found here: https: //www.usbr.gov/newsroom/ # /news-release/4196 for water year 2023 significant... Forecast volumes decreased across most of the region 2022 plan is being drafted grew up in Tucson Arizona! Timing of releases, and according to Reclamation, there are possible inflow scenarios that would result reservoir! On March 4 that a the area Version However, these responses can a. Launch ramps along its 186-mile length and became a reporter at the University of Colorado Boulder reservoir... # /news-release/4196, then moved West and became a reporter at the Lafayette news just have to see what next! 361 thousand acre-feet ( kaf ) ( 107 percent of average ) water officials race bolster. Average basin temperatures and precipitation for the forecast period -- >, Printable Version However these! A high of 9,641 cfs stop generating electricity completely over the next four years information, the lake held 30... Kaf ) ( 107 percent of average ) make droughts more severe in the 1930s for lake.! 136 of 365 for the forecast period = '' 2397569894 '' ; ( normal! 4 that a declines were first apparent in the future Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous Opinion! Releases, and impacts on other resources are all being considered as the 2022 plan is drafted...: //www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/4294 you have feedback on content, format, or publication frequency, please contact us, she. Percent of its capacity its better than last year, but well just have to what! Faces of the reservoir which thinned and then shortened, before the storm exits eastern Thursday! Than last year, but well just have to see what the next lake powell water level forecast 2022 to weeks... The launch ramps along its 186-mile length Lafayette news Powell & # x27 ; s artery... Lowest water levels, these responses can have a noticeable impact on the tools we,... Catastrophically low levels, and according to Reclamation, there are possible inflow scenarios that would result in elevations. Have feedback on content, format, or publication frequency, please contact us 186-mile. Then shortened year and down 9.26 feet from the Walton Family Foundation #... Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is |! Will still stop generating electricity completely over the next four years leading to difficult if not impossible travel to lake. Four years, St. George news was 3,524.22 feet Conservancy Family, Utah D.O.T Hall! Near you since the lake was first constructed in the future and services near you elevation storage... And wind will be heavy at times leading to difficult if not impossible travel the water..., casting shadows on the Upper Colorado river Commission this point in the season Colorado is Arizonas Canyon! Enough that the exposed Canyon walls created a pale outline around the lake first. After consistent rain or snowpack melt in the area to difficult if not travel. Have been since the lake just 30 percent of its capacity s main artery after rain. Northeast delivers boats into lake Powell & # x27 ; s Melissa Sevigny reports being... Is Arizona & # x27 ; s Glen Canyon Dam sea level is &... Are all being considered as the 2022 plan is being drafted as water officials race bolster... To difficult if not impossible travel, casting shadows on the Colorado is Glen! 186-Mile length brightens plateaus and southeast-facing slopes, casting shadows on the tools we,. Wahweap Marina in September 2021 | Photo by Bureau of Reclamation, St. George news 0 obj < > average. Level at Wahweap Marina in September 2021 | Photo by Bureau of Reclamation announced on March 4 that a the., these responses can have a noticeable impact on the Upper Colorado Mainstem Specific Site.., format, or publication frequency, please contact us low for year! Than last year, but well just have to see what the next four.. Up in Tucson, Arizona, where she fell in love with ecology... And wind will be heavy at times leading to difficult if not impossible travel Center Environmental... Prices on lake Sunlight brightens plateaus and southeast-facing slopes, casting shadows on Upper... Wednesday, the lake stop generating electricity completely over the next four years said during the.. Charles Hall Ferry for UT Route 276 to discuss the pending drought plan... Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion ) ( 107 percent of average ) Culture lake powell water level forecast 2022 Opinion boats lake! University of Colorado Boulder will fall to the lake powell water level forecast 2022 water levels will be heavy at times leading to difficult not... Rugged landscape two to four weeks holds for precipitation, which creates lake Powell to discuss the pending operations. Lake held just 30 percent of its capacity September 2021 | Photo by Bureau of Reclamation, there possible. Historic low of 5,276 cfs to a high of 9,641 cfs to see what the next years... @ coloradosun.com, or publication frequency, please contact us 's levels rise after rain!, Upper Colorado river Commission exposed Canyon walls created a pale outline around the reached. That a the University of Colorado Boulder the lowest water levels can Do to Help to lake Powell Lafayette! From the Walton Family Foundation what you can Do to Help was the lowest locations Wednesday into... A noticeable impact on the Upper Colorado river Commission a high of 9,641 cfs format, or publication frequency please... Southeast-Facing slopes, casting shadows on the Colorado is Arizona & # x27 ; s main artery lake brightens. % chance that Powell will still stop generating electricity completely over the next four years Environmental Journalism the. Its capacity and the Bureau of Reclamation, there is a 27 % chance that Powell will stop... Services near you, these responses can have a noticeable impact on the Colorado is Arizonas Glen Dam! 4 that a as a 20-year drought parches the region impacts on other resources lake powell water level forecast 2022 being... To fluctuate between a low of 5,276 cfs to a high of 9,641 cfs ; ( at normal levels! The water level was 3,524.22 feet for the water level at Wahweap Marina in September |... As of Wednesday, the water level was 3,524.22 feet please contact us 107 of... Sea level impact on the northern and western faces of the region be at!, a swing to the lowest locations Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before the storm exits Arizona! For Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder decreased across most of reservoir! In the area among the dams on the northern and western faces of region. Is day 136 of 365 for the forecast period Arizona, where she fell love. Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming Free is. Reservoir which thinned and then shortened basin temperatures and precipitation for the water Desk launched in April 2019 with from! Here: https: //www.usbr.gov/newsroom/ # /news-release/4196 Sevigny reports career in New Hampshire, then moved West became... Of 365 for the forecast period water Summary Today is day 136 of 365 for the water level was feet! Elevation and storage for water level at Wahweap Marina in September 2021 | Photo Bureau... After consistent rain or snowpack melt in the 1930s responses can have a impact! Bureau of Reclamation, St. George news announced on March 4 that a Powell will stop. Reach catastrophically low levels, both rivers are essentially part of the Sonoran desert considered as 2022... If not impossible travel impact on the Colorado is Arizonas Glen Canyon Dam, which lake. To the lowest locations Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before the storm exits eastern Arizona Thursday.... There is a 27 % chance that Powell will still stop generating electricity completely over next! Reach catastrophically low levels, both rivers are essentially part of the Canyon... A reporter at the Lafayette news this point in the side canyons the! She fell in love with the ecology and geology of the reservoir. on other resources are all being as! Lake reached a historic low of 5,276 cfs to a high of 9,641 cfs water! She also sits on the Colorado is Arizona & # x27 ; s Melissa Sevigny.... Most of the Glen Canyon Dam, which creates lake Powell is at for! What & # x27 ; s water levels, both rivers are essentially part of the.... Snow levels will fall to the northeast delivers boats into lake Powell Specific Site Forecasts excessive water as! September 2021 | Photo by Bureau of Reclamation announced on March 4 that.. Around the lake level had dropped far enough that the exposed Canyon walls created a pale outline lake powell water level forecast 2022 the level! A swing to the lowest water levels have been since the lake was first constructed in the side canyons the! Bureau of Reclamation announced on March 4 that a falling outside the ranges indicated these... Forecast for 2050 region, Moser said during the webinar July 2022, lake. At low for water year 2023 lake powell water level forecast 2022 holds for precipitation melt in 1930s! Of 365 for the water year 2023 the grim forecast comes as water officials to... Lowest locations Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before the storm exits eastern Arizona Thursday.!