Lake Powell is at just QUARTER capacity sparking fears of drought and power cuts
Posted: March 11th, 2022, 11:27 pm
One of America's most important reservoirs Lake Powell is at just QUARTER capacity sparking fears of drought and power cuts for more than five million who rely on Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell, one of the most important reservoirs in the western U.S. is about to hit a 'worrying new low', at just 24 per cent of its maximum capacity, authorities warn.
Sitting at the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is part of a system that supplies water for 40 million people in multiple western states, and through the Glen Canyon Dam, supplies power for more than five million people.
Water level readings from this week, by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, found that the lake was 3,526 feet above seal level, which is 24 per cent capacity.
This puts it just one foot above a crucial threshold set up in drought contingency plans, where additional releases from upstream water sources will need to be released in order to ensure millions still have access to water.
Authorities involved in the reservoir say the lake could dip below that pint, triggering the contingency plans, although its expected to be restored later in the Spring.
This low water level risk comes amid a severe drought in the region and prolonged periods of dry weather, including a very dry summer in 2021.
Lake Powell, one of the most important reservoirs in the western U.S. is about to hit a 'worrying new low', at just 24 per cent of its maximum capacity, authorities warn.
Sitting at the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is part of a system that supplies water for 40 million people in multiple western states, and through the Glen Canyon Dam, supplies power for more than five million people.
Water level readings from this week, by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, found that the lake was 3,526 feet above seal level, which is 24 per cent capacity.
This puts it just one foot above a crucial threshold set up in drought contingency plans, where additional releases from upstream water sources will need to be released in order to ensure millions still have access to water.
Authorities involved in the reservoir say the lake could dip below that pint, triggering the contingency plans, although its expected to be restored later in the Spring.
This low water level risk comes amid a severe drought in the region and prolonged periods of dry weather, including a very dry summer in 2021.