Gila Herald Staff Reports
PAGE — Lake Powell, the nation’s second-largest reservoir, has plunged to its lowest level on record, marking an unprecedented decline for a water system that millions across the American Southwest rely on for water and power.
Data released Sunday by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation revealed that water levels at Lake Powell dropped to 3,519.91 feet, edging past the previous record low set in April 2023. The reservoir is now less than 30 feet away from dropping below its “minimum power pool” elevation—the threshold at which Glen Canyon Dam can no longer generate hydroelectricity.
Threats to Hydropower and Water Flow
The decline comes just over a week after downstream Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, also hit a record low. Together, the two giant reservoirs hold nearly 60% of the total water stored in the Colorado River basin. Driven by climate change, persistent drought, and decades of heavy use, the river’s overall flow has shrunk by roughly 20% since 2000.
Glen Canyon Dam’s eight hydroelectric turbines generate enough power for nearly 500,000 homes across seven states, including Arizona. If water levels reach 3,490 feet, power generation stops.
The dam faces an even starker scenario at 3,370 feet—known as “deadpool”—where water can no longer flow downstream through the dam. Brad Udall, a senior water scientist at Colorado State University, warned that extraordinary measures, including reduced upstream water releases, will be necessary to prevent reaching power pool thresholds this year.
Impacts on Communities and Future Cuts
While experts emphasize that municipal water supplies in major cities like Phoenix and Tucson are not in immediate danger of running dry due to long-term backup planning, smaller communities and Tribal nations may face greater challenges finding alternative sources.
Federal authorities are expected to release a plan in the coming days outlining mandatory reduction allocations across seven basin states—Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah—through 2028 after multi-state negotiations failed to produce a consensus.
While climate patterns like El Niño offer faint hope for wetter winters, experts stress a single season will not solve a multi-decade crisis. “Even record snowpack this winter will not be enough to get us out of the danger zone,” said Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.
