LAKE MEAD IS ON THE RISE!
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has continued its steady refilling, registering an increase of approximately 3 feet since early July and projected to ascend another 6 feet in the subsequent two months. The lake, a significant water source that provides 90% of the water consumed in the Las Vegas valley, stands presently at 1,059.49 feet. It is projected to reach 1,065.59 feet by September’s end, as per a recent forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This is a development that many wouldn’t have anticipated last year, when Lake Mead was being significantly impacted by the 23-year megadrought, leading to consecutive annual declines. In August 2021, a federal water shortage was announced as the lake’s level continued to decrease, hitting a low point of 1,041.71 feet on July 27, 2022. The return to the present level is a result of record snowfall in the Upper Colorado River Basin, providing a temporary reprieve for the 40 million Southwest residents who depend on the river for water. However, it is important to recognize that even an exceptional snowfall year doesn’t eliminate the drought. In fact, even after its recent recovery, Lake Mead’s level will still be below 1,067.80 feet, the level it was at when the water shortage was declared. Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that the spring runoff had peaked and was now subsiding. Still, Lake Mead continues to refill at a consistent pace.
Lake Powell, the United States’ second-largest reservoir located about 360 river miles upstream from Lake Mead, has also shown significant water level recovery.
The Bureau of Reclamation has prioritized refilling depleted reservoirs in recent years, with Lake Powell being a major focus.
In the previous year, Lake Powell’s levels declined significantly, causing concern that it might harm the Glen Canyon Dam’s hydropower infrastructure. To address this, additional water was released from dams in Colorado and Utah to maintain Lake Powell’s level while holding back water that would typically flow downstream to Lake Mead.
Currently, the emphasis is on refilling all the reservoirs.
However, last week marked a strategic shift by water managers. Instead of merely increasing Lake Powell’s level — currently 41% full — the focus has shifted to balancing storage. Consequently, Lake Powell’s level is maintained, while Lake Mead continues to fill. Earlier forecasts this year suggested that Lake Mead would only recover to 26% capacity (from a low of 23%). However, water managers are outpacing this prediction with Lake Mead already 32% full as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 20.
2 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator