Two-year projections for Lake Mead and Lake Powell show improved water levels compared to last month’s forecast, according to the Bureau of Reclamation’s updated 24-month study released in October. While the reservoirs remain far from surplus, the trend marks a rare improvement after months of declining projections.
Lake Mead, currently at 1,037.58 feet as of noon Wednesday, is projected to drop to a low of 1,007.73 feet in July 2027. For July 2028, the new forecast shows the lake likely staying at 1,009.85 feet — nearly 13 feet higher than last month’s projection of 996.96 feet, which had suggested a drop below 1,000 feet.
Lake Powell also shows improvement, with its March 2028 projection now at 3,521.54 feet, about 3 feet higher than the September report. Other months in the forecast are 5 to 6 feet higher than previously expected. The reservoir typically reaches its low in late February or March before refilling with spring runoff from the Upper Colorado River Basin.
About 40 million people depend on the Colorado River, which has lost roughly 20% of its basin water since the drought began in 2000. The Bureau of Reclamation does not provide commentary with the report, and officials have been contacted for comment. Some observers caution that the projections may be optimistic and recommend relying on 'minimum probable inflow' estimates instead.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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