As temperatures begin to warm, snow melt season has officially begun. The Upper Colorado River Basin had a fairly average winter snowpack; however, runoff projections are currently well below average.

Lake Powell water year 2025 release is set at 7.48 MAF, as determined in the August 2024 24-Month Study.

The latest April 24-Month study issued by Reclamation indicates the Lower Colorado River Basin will likely remain in a Tier 1 shortage in 2026, as it is this year. This outlook can be partially attributed to additional conservation agreed to among the Lower Basin states to keep water in Lake Mead through 2026.

Why do water managers pay so much attention to Reclamation’s 24-Month Study? Read more.