Colorado River experts warned this week that Lake Powell and Lake Mead are heading toward a "system crash" that could threaten dam infrastructure and water deliveries to 40 million people by the 2028 water year.
New study warns of reservoir decline
At a conference in Boulder, Colorado, researchers presented a white paper titled "Colorado River Basin Storage Continues Slide Toward System Crash." The study indicates that another dry year could cause reservoir levels to drop below critical elevations, threatening downstream agriculture and major cities.
Impact of future water cuts
Jack Schmidt, a co-author of the paper, stated that the research aims to illustrate the significance of upcoming water cuts. He noted that if next year resembles a heavy snow year like 2023, any resulting cushion for the reservoirs would likely only last about two years.
Critical elevations for hydropower protection
The Bureau of Reclamation has identified 3,500 feet at Lake Powell and 975 feet at Lake Mead as critical elevations for protecting hydropower production. During a talk on June 4, Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron noted that while Lake Powell was previously projected to drop below 3,500 feet this summer, recent management actions have pushed that projection to early 2027.
Risks of crisis-driven river operations
Katrina Grantz, Reclamation’s deputy director for the Upper Colorado region, said that "crisis-driven operations" are becoming routine. She noted that while the agency is confident in using river outlet works below 3,490 feet, there are operational concerns regarding sediment scouring and cavitation.
Herriman City council meeting schedule
In separate local news, the City of Herriman maintains its regular schedule for council meetings, with work meetings held at 5:30 p.m. and general meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Fort Herriman Conference Room.
Oakley Planning Commission meeting notice
Additionally, records from Oakley, Utah, show that a Planning Commission regular meeting was previously scheduled for April 9, 2026.
