Lake Powell could plunge near lows that threaten power production next year: Federal study

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Lake Powell, a Colorado River reservoir that serves as a source of hydroelectric power, is in danger of reaching very low levels, according to a new federal analysis.

A study released by the Bureau of Reclamation this week projects that at the end of March 2027, Lake Powell’s elevation could be just less than 3,492 feet.

That level would put the reservoir close to the minimum power pool level of 3,490 feet needed to produce electricity. As of Thursday, Lake Powell was at about 3,524 feet.

The bureau said along with the study that it was considering “all tools that are available” to make sure the reservoir doesn’t decline below 3,500 feet.

Lake Powell provides power for some 6 million households and businesses in the Western U.S.

Much of the West remains in drought, according to the U.S. drought monitor.

A 2024 federal study found that climate change turned an ordinary drought into an extraordinary drought in the region between 2020 and 2022.

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