Lake Mead has been getting a lot of attention lately. The southwest droughts have caused the lake to drop to its lowest levels since the construction of the Hoover Dam. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States with a max water capacity defined as an elevation of 1,221.4 feet. This elevation represents the top of the spillway crest of Hoover Dam. As of August 23rd, the water level sits at 1,068 feet. This level is 15 feet less than the two previous years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Hoover Dam generates an average of 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectricity each year that goes to Arizona, California, and Nevada. This is enough power to serve over 1.3 million people. For Hoover Dam to operate, the water level must remain above 1,050 feet. At current levels, Lake Mead is only 18 feet above the required levels for Hoover Dam to continue to operate.
California is at the greatest risk of any power failure as nearly 50% of the power generated by Hoover Dam ends up in the state. Nevada and Arizona receive 23% and 19% respectively. This will no doubt have a negative impact on electricity rates.
In early August, the Edward Hyatt Power Plant on Lake Oroville was forced to close due to drought. According to California Energy Commission, the Edward Hyatt Plant has a power generation capacity of 1 billion kilowatt-hours per year.
Colorado River Drought Issues
For the past 20 years, the Colorado River has faced drought conditions that have impacted water supply for surrounding regions, along with hydropower and recreational activities. The increasing demand for water combined with drought conditions has put additional stress on an already depleted river. In 2000, the Colorado River Basin was near full capacity. Today, the basin is below 50% capacity.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Colorado River Basin:
- Provides more than 10% of Americans with water for municipal use, including drinking water.
- Supports 4,200 megawatts of electricity generating capacity.
- Provides irrigation water to more than 5.5 million acres of land.
- Helps generate more than $1 billion in tourism revenue.
- Supports a massive ecosystem of wildlife, including endangered species.
What Will it Take to Fill Lake Mead?
Recent rainfall has caused flooding in parts of Arizona. Las Vegas has also received its share of rain. However, it will take much more than a heavy rainfall to get the water level in Lake Mead back to its 2000 capacity level.
The majority of water responsible for filling the lake will come from melted snow in the Colorado mountains. Given the droughts, it will take a few years of above-normal snowpack to have an effect. As summer comes, and the snow begins to melt, the water will make its way into streams and rivers and eventually into the Colorado River Basin.
Snowpack in the Upper Colorado Basin is currently 33% of the August average.