Lake Powell at record low water level, could drop further
Jul 26, 2021, 4:00 PM
(KSLTV)
BULLFROG, Utah– Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the U.S., hit a new record low Monday. The Lake Powell Water Database says the lake is at its lowest point since it was filled in the 1960s.
Currently, the lake is at approximately 33% capacity. It sits about 145 feet below full, which is akin to three Delicate Arches stacked on top of each other.
In the next few days, Lake Powell’s elevation will drop below the record low of 3,555.10 feet reached in April 2005.
These record low numbers stress the need for actions started last week under the Upper Basin Drought Response Operations Agreement.https://t.co/Mq641WZFF8
— Bureau of Reclamation (@usbr) July 22, 2021
The low level has caused park officials to close several prominent marinas and loading bays.
But record low levels at Lake Powell have a bigger impact than just boating and fishing.
Water experts are worried about more than just the recreation industry around Lake Powell. It could also negatively affect communities reliant upon the Glen Canyon Dam for water and electricity.
Unless there are several large storms in the coming weeks, water experts anticipate the lake’s level to drop even further.