"This is a short-term solution. It's going to take time to recover these reservoirs before we can do this again. So while we can exhaust our reserves to avoid system collapse this year, it means reserves won't be there next year."
"In 2022, the federal government ordered the reservoir to release 550,000 acre-feet to stabilize the downstream river system, which disrupted recreation and rattled upstream communities."
"Reclamation has authorized releases of up to 1 million acre-feet. Over the next year, a third of the reservoir's storage is expected to be gradually released."
The federal government implemented emergency measures to maintain Lake Powell's water levels, crucial for power generation and downstream water delivery. Without intervention, projections indicated dangerously low levels by August, jeopardizing supplies for millions. A combination of low snowpack and extreme heat has exacerbated the situation, leading to depleted reservoirs. The Bureau of Reclamation has ordered water releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir to support Lake Powell, while downstream deliveries will be reduced. This approach is a temporary fix, with long-term recovery needed for the reservoirs.
Read at High Country News
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