Lake Mead and Lake Powell

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Colorado River Water Supply Report Agenda Number 12. Total System Contents: 27.507 MAF 68% 8/26/13 Reservoir Capacities (MAF) Reservoir Current Change Maximum 76% Lake Mead 12.25 + 0.02 25.90 Lake Powell 10.84 - 0.55 24.30 Flaming Gorge Reservoir 2.84 - 0.05 3.75 Navajo Reservoir 0.86 - 0.05 1.70 Blue Mesa Reservoir 0.37 - 0.03 0.83 Fontenelle Reservoir 0.23 - 0.01 0.34 Morrow Point Reservoir 0.11 0.00 0.12 44% Lake Powell 3,700’ 97% 45%, 10.839 MAF 3,590’ 51% Lake Mead 1,220’ 47%, 12.248 MAF 1,106’ 1,075’ 3,680 1,130 Lake Powell Elevations (2013 August 24-Month Study) Lake Mead Elevations (2013 August 24-Month Study) 3,660 1,120 3,640 1,110 3,620 1,100 3,600 1,090 3,580 1,080 Historical 3,560 1,070 Historical Maximum Probable Forecast Maximum Probable Forecast Most Probable Forecast Most Probable Forecast 3,540 1,060 Minimum Probable Forecast Minimum Probable Forecast Shortage 3,520 1,050 The August 2013 24-Month study projected that with an annual release of 8.23 MAF (as was consistent in water year Based on a 2013), the January 1st elevation of Lake Powell would be potential shortage 3,574 ft, which is less than 3,575 ft and places Lake Powell in 2016, impacts to in the mid-elevation release tier. Since Lake Mead is not CAP projected below 1,025 ft, according to the 2007 Interim Guidelines, demand in 2016 under this operational tier annual releases from Lake would include a 320 Powell to Lake Mead will be reduced to 7.48 MAF (for water KAF reduction to year 2014). CAP. All excess water uses except According to the August 2013 24-Month study, Lake Mead the Ag settlement elevation in July 2015 under the most probable inflow pool would be forecast is 1,061 ft. If Lake Mead forecasted elevations eliminated, and the remain below 1,075 ft by January 1st of 2016 (per the Ag settlement pool August 24-month study of 2015), then according to the would be 2007 Interim Guidelines a Lower Basin shortage would be significantly declared for 2016. According to this, the earliest likelihood reduced. of Colorado River shortage for Arizona would be 2016. .

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Colorado River Basin Update
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