As Colorado River shrinks, calls to drain Lake Powell gain traction

Water managers are debating whether to intentionally lower Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir, as the Southwest grapples with historic drought driven by climate change and overallocation.

First covered Nov 8, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 1 article

As Colorado River shrinks, calls to drain Lake Powell gain traction — Image via grist.org

Coverage

2d Grist As the Colorado River shrinks, calls to drain Lake Powell grow

Primary sources

glencanyon.org Lower Basin Letter 2 13 25 (glencanyon.org)

usbr.gov Final Environmental Impact Statement | Bureau of Reclamation

More coverage from around the web

coloradosun.com Feds want to cut back water releases from Lake Powell in response to Colorado River drought

sierraclub.org Can the Colorado River Survive 2026?

science.nasa.gov Lake Powell Drops to Record-Low Levels - NASA Science

abcnews.com Lake Powell reaching critically low elevation levels, nearing 'dead power pool,' experts say - ABC News

sciencedaily.com One of America’s largest reservoirs just hit a record low

Appeared in: 2026-11-08 (#5) · 2026-11-09 (#5)

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