Drought in the West threatens future of Glen Canyon dam and Lake Powell
Under the pressures of overuse and climate change, the fate of the entire Colorado River system is being redetermined in real time, amid what scientists think is the worst drought in over 1,200 years. Now that the reservoir is below 3,525 feet, it has officially crossed the “hydropower buffer” — which forces policymakers to start working on a solution. Every option seems to have immense challenges, with seven states invested in the matter and 40 million people who are directly affected by the Colorado River system’s water.
Related articles:
- Water Online: U.S. Interior To Make Unprecedented Change For Colorado River Water Supplies
- Fronteras: AZ and local leaders to hold roundtable in Yuma on Colorado River needs and shortages
- CNN: Lake Mead falls to an unprecedented low, exposing one of the reservoir’s original water intake valves
- The Gazette: Colorado snowmelt is on – and that’s too soon, say water watchers
- Environmental Defense Fund: Blog: The Colorado River is getting closer to tanking. Can we free ourselves from the long arc of depletion?
- 9 News – Denver: Watch – Colorado’s drought and wildfire danger is causing ‘climate anxiety’