New Drought Contingencies Triggered for Upper Colorado River States
The latest Bureau of Reclamation report on water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead trigger new drought contingencies in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. May 26, 2021, 9am PDT | James Brasuell |
Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming will launch a new drought response operations plan as water levels in Lake Powell continue to drop, according to a press release by the Upper Colorado River Commission.
According to terms established by the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation s May 24-Month Study signals the new for the mew drought response plan to keep water levels in Lake Powell from dropping below 3,525 feet. Lake Powell is currently at an elevation of 3,560.6 feet and is approaching its lowest level since the reservoir began filling in the early 1960s.
DENVER Snowstorms last month replenished snowpack in the Colorado mountains and improved drought conditions on the Front Range, as did rain that quenched the parched Eastern Plains. But smaller amounts of precipitation farther south and west have done less to dampen drought conditions.
Ultimately, researchers say that one big storm is not enough to break Colorado out of its long-term drought.
“What we’ll need are probably multiple years of above average snowfall to really get us out of this,” said Russ Schumacher, director of the Colorado Climate Center.
Snowpack, the snow that accumulates in the mountains, provides Colorado with 50% to 80% of its usable water. As temperatures rise in April and through the spring, melting snow renews the rivers and fills reservoirs throughout the state. Last month’s snowstorm was a boon.
Big March storms helped boost Colorado s snowpack, but they weren t enough to solve the long-term drought summitdaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from summitdaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Special to the Daily
Eagle River Watershed Council is hosting the sixth annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, presented by Avon Frame Shoppe, in a fully-virtual format. Keeping the spirit of an in-person event, the nonprofit fundraiser includes door prizes, a silent auction, food specials and an interactive chat feature.
The event takes place on Thursday, April 8, from 7-9 pm. To get your tickets, please visit erwc.org/filmfest2021
. A recording will be available for ticket-holders through April 13.
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings inspiring films to the Eagle County community, fostering environmental stewardship and activism, in addition to raising funds to support the Watershed Council’s educational programs.
Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Comment on Big Sandy Reservoir Treatment Project sweetwaternow.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sweetwaternow.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.