March 18, 2022

Watch: Lake Powell Is at Its Lowest Level in Recorded History

Things are looking grim for America’s second-largest reservoir.

Low water levels at Lake Powell affect hydropower production at Glen Canyon Dam.Pattrn

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This story was created by Pattrn and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Lake Powell just dropped below a critical threshold. At 3,525 feet above sea level, the Glen Canyon Dam’s ability to produce hydropower is in jeopardy. The US Bureau of Reclamation says spring runoff will help boost water levels in the next few months, but the reservoir faces longer-term challenges. Our partners at Pattrn created this explainer video.

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