Well the rivers flowing into Lake Powell are only at 39% of average so you have to assume that snow pack is very low. 59% at this time of year is super low.
How much do we expect the lake to rise this spring/summer
- Thread starter doc
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realitycheck
Member
FINALLY got a SWE update today. Believe it's in the 2-2.5 inch range. Absolutely not a very hopeful number. Unless a healthy precipatation period develops one can expect serious issues to materialize. Let's hope we get enough precipatation to at least squeak through the next 6 months.
Looks like it's fixed now.
DirtSailor71
Active Member
Scientists finally know where the Colorado River’s missing water is going
For years, water managers have been puzzled as the Colorado River kept delivering less water than expected—even when snowpack levels looked promising. New research reveals the missing piece: spring rain, or rather, the lack of it. Warmer, drier springs mean plants are soaking up more snowmelt...
www.sciencedaily.com
Outside
Well-Known Member
“Since 1999, precipitation across the Colorado River Basin has declined by about 7%, and in some years only about half of the expected snowmelt actually reaches rivers and streams.”Scientists finally know where the Colorado River’s missing water is going
For years, water managers have been puzzled as the Colorado River kept delivering less water than expected—even when snowpack levels looked promising. New research reveals the missing piece: spring rain, or rather, the lack of it. Warmer, drier springs mean plants are soaking up more snowmelt...www.sciencedaily.com
SeaLegs
Escalante-Class Member
I read that earlier today. Stating the obvious was my impression.Scientists finally know where the Colorado River’s missing water is going
For years, water managers have been puzzled as the Colorado River kept delivering less water than expected—even when snowpack levels looked promising. New research reveals the missing piece: spring rain, or rather, the lack of it. Warmer, drier springs mean plants are soaking up more snowmelt...www.sciencedaily.com
FishnFly
Well-Known Member
CO mountains got 8-20 inches of wet snow on Tuesday. I think statewide in the high country. Above 8500 feet.
Friday (tomorrow) is supposed to be cold with another 8 or so forecasted I think more for the northern mountains. Then there’s some forecasted rain into next week.
Every bit helps.
Friday (tomorrow) is supposed to be cold with another 8 or so forecasted I think more for the northern mountains. Then there’s some forecasted rain into next week.
Every bit helps.
Cimarron16
Active Member
Snow on the ground in Grand Junction. I hope the Mesa got walloped!
realitycheck
Member
This is absolutely true. Evapotranspiration has the ability to remove immense amounts of water. Process can leave the uninitiated scratches their heads. Of course if plants get to the PWP ( permanent wilting point) then that ends the phenomenon. Not a great option I would suggestm9Scientists finally know where the Colorado River’s missing water is going
For years, water managers have been puzzled as the Colorado River kept delivering less water than expected—even when snowpack levels looked promising. New research reveals the missing piece: spring rain, or rather, the lack of it. Warmer, drier springs mean plants are soaking up more snowmelt...www.sciencedaily.com
Todd
Escalante-Class Member
They didn’t!
svivian
Escalante-Class Member
Live camera is showing the snow we just got is already starting to melt
LIVE CAMERA | Grand Mesa Lodge
DirtSailor71
Active Member
New plan will boost Lake Powell, take water away from Lake Mead during dry year
More than 215 billion gallons of water will be released downstream to Lake Powell, but Lake Mead will take big hit under a plan announced Friday by the federal government.
www.8newsnow.com
Rainbowbridge
Keeper of San Juan Secrets
Interesting article, but if they really thought our lake was gonna rise by 54 feet......why then would they move Bullfrog?
Is that a reasonable question?
Is that a reasonable question?
Eagle Rock
Well-Known Member
It's a reasonable question, and here's my take on a reasonable answer: The 24-month study released today shows the Powell surface at 3456 at its minimum. That's before today's announcement about cutting Powell releases and increasing Flaming Gorge releases. Add 54 feet to that and you get 3510. So I read the "54 feet" as meaning "54 feet higher than the low point that would otherwise occur." And reading the "54 feet" that way, next spring's minimum reservoir level would be 3510, which makes sense for avoiding minimum power pool at 3490', and also makes sense for moving Bullfrog.Interesting article, but if they really thought our lake was gonna rise by 54 feet......why then would they move Bullfrog?
Is that a reasonable question?
Rainbowbridge
Keeper of San Juan Secrets
Thanks for that, Eagle Rock...yup, sure does make 'current' sense...20' above power pool!
I shoulda learned to read and not just look at the pictures.....
Brandon A.
Well-Known Member
Check this out it's good for Powell!
Exactly. The actual press release from the BoR is more clear and says they are targeting 3500 in April 2027.
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Lake Powell is already at 3524 elevation and it has only released 45% of it's minimum requirement as of today and were 55% through the water year. Also when the summer heats up a lot of water is lost through evaporation. A 500 MW coal plant uses 300 million gallons a day AZ and all the states drawing water from the Colorado should be building solar farms and shutting down there old coal plants as quickly as possible.