Lake Mead Dips to Historic Low, Amplifying Colorado River Crisis

Lake Mead fell to 1,040.4 feet, its lowest level since filling about 90 years ago, underscoring a severe Colorado River crisis that supplies water and power to roughly 40 million people across seven states and parts of Mexico. The drought, extreme heat, and reduced snowpack have drained the system, with Lake Powell also at historic lows and federal officials proposing short-term water cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada. A plan to protect the humpback chub led to limiting Glen Canyon Dam releases, highlighting competing needs for hydropower and ecosystems. Experts warn the situation could worsen this year as more reservoir declines are anticipated, though longer-term agreements remain elusive.