The Arizona Reconsultation Committee (ARC) reconvened on Friday, Nov. 4 for an update on current Colorado River conditions. The presentation is here and the video is here. Although the Lower Colorado River Basin will be in a Tier 2a shortage for 2023, it is likely that additional reductions will be necessary to protect critical levels in Lakes Powell and Mead.

The 2007 Interim Guidelines for the coordinated operation of Lakes Powell and Mead are set to expire at the end of 2026. The formal reconsultation process is expected to begin in 2023. The Colorado River Basin states will play a leading role in developing these new guidelines. The Arizona Department of Water Resources and Central Arizona Project convened the ARC to provide input on Arizona’s participation and path forward in this process.