Despite its record-low levels, the Upper Colorado River Basin states determined that more Flaming Gorge releases were no longer needed. The basin’s above-average snowpack this winter is expected to result in Lake Powell level increases this spring.

Officials said Monday that experts informed the states there is “little chance” that the lake will drop to 3,490 feet elevation “in the near term.”

“The releases from Flaming Gorge succeeded in protecting critical elevations at Lake Powell,” Shawcroft said. “Given the operation’s success and improving hydrology, it’s time to stop sending water downstream and start focusing on restoring Flaming Gorge.”

Flaming Gorge entered this week at about 66% capacity, down 11 percentage points from the same point last year, according to Utah Division of Water Resources data. It was about 80% full when the four Upper Colorado River Basin states approved the release plan.

The reservoir is also expected to benefit from the snowpack runoff this spring.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced in October 2022 that it may reduce downstream releases from the Glen Canyon Dam if levels continue to drop. Crews also recently added a new water intake system at the dam, which will allow nearby communities to continue to receive water even if the reservoir ever reaches its “dead pool” level in the future.