New data suggest that a disappointing snowpack could result in less water than previously thought for America’s two largest reservoirs. Lake Mead is a vital water source for millions of people across Nevada, Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. Its declining levels potentially jeopardize municipal water supplies, agricultural irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. Officials previously raised concerns about the water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, following a lacking winter snowpack that threatened to stall progress made during last year’s wetter-than-average season. The resulting water supply is expected to be even lower than earlier projections. Scientists now forecast runoff into Lake Powell to reach just 55 percent of the average, down from the previous estimate of 67 percent.

Other Colorado River Basin news:

• Sky-Hi News (Granby, Colo.): How Colorado plans to balance outdoor recreation with environmental stewardship in a new outdoor strategy
• CBS News: Colorado’s snowpack shrinking fast despite heavy May snowstorm
• KJCT (Grand Junction, Colo.): How wineries and orchards are handling the drought
• Los Angeles Times: Opinion: Do environmental groups targeting Colorado River water use have their priorities straight?​
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Historic photos of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam