… At low water levels, more air from the reservoir’s [Lake Powell] surface can be mixed into the water, ideal conditions for bubbles to implode with destructive force as the water travels through tubes and turbines. And this year, the [Colorado River] reservoir’s water level is extremely low. Federal reports show that the dam might have to stop hydropower generation before the end of the year to avoid catastrophic damage caused, in part, by the small-but-mighty bubbles. The Bureau of Reclamation has spent millions of dollars adding protective layers to some of the dam’s water release valves. State and federal officials are debating how to manage around the dam’s limitations as part of high-stakes negotiations this year.  

Other Lake Powell news:

• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Lake Powell is on life support as the West vies for what water remains
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Photos: Aerial views of Lake Powell and its lowering capacity
• KJZZ (Phoenix): Lake Powell drops to lowest level of 2026, on track for ‘record breaking territory’
• KUTV (Las Vegas): Scientists propose draining Lake Powell to preserve water in Lake Mead