Lake Mead is lower than forecast, exepected to go much lower
5/26/2022 4:05:52 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Arizona
Mohave County, AZ
California
Colorado
New Mexico
Nevada
Clark County, NV
Utah
Wyoming
Start Date: 8/16/2021
- End Date: 5/26/2022
Lake Mead will likely drop 12 feet by September to 1,037 feet above sea level, per an updated forecast from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. In Sept 2023, Lake Mead may be 26 feet lower than at present, with the reservoir holding just 19% of capacity and leading to the harshest water supply cuts for the Southwest.
Lake Mead is presently running considerably below what was thought to be the worst-case scenario last year. Mead was expected to be about 1,059 feet at the end of May, and as low as 1,057 feet at the worst.
Lake Mead is currently about 1,049 feet. The winter snow was a huge disappointment and did not bring as much moisture as was needed. In addition, water was being held back in Lake Powell to support its water level instead of being sent to Lake Mead. Given the warm, dry spring, water needs for agriculture have been higher than normal.
CNN (Atlanta, Ga.), May 26, 2022
Sources
