Current Colorado River Conditions
Colorado River Water Supply Report
System Contents*: 18.87 MAF
As of March 21, 2023
Last Year System Contents: 21.13 MAF
Reservoir Capacities (MAF)
Snow Accumulation
For the overall Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell, the snow accumulation to date is at 20.9 in., which is 145% of the 30-year median for this date of 14.4 in.
Unregulated Inflow to Lake Powell
Historical annual unregulated inflows to Lake Powell since its filling and historical average, 30-year period of record from 1991-2020, and 22-year average (current drought period). Min, Most and Max are the 90%, 50% and 10% probable exceedance inflows, respectively, as forecast by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center for the current water year, if shown.
1 Water Year statistics are based on the 30-year period of record from 1991-2020, Average 1991-2020 – 9.60 MAF
Arizona Lake Mead DCP Contributions and Conservation
The table summarizes Arizona’s Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Contributions to Lake Mead and other conservation efforts under the DCP. The chart displays Arizona’s annual conservation efforts and DCP Contributions from 2008 to the present.
Bureau of Reclamation 24-Month Study Results for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
The 24-Month Study, issued by the Bureau of Reclamation, projects future conditions in the Colorado River system extending out 24 months. The Minimum, Most, and Maximum probable elevations are determined using the 90%, 50%, and 10% probable exceedance of unregulated inflow forecasts from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, projected reservoir operations as determined by existing policies, and projected water demand schedules.
Lake Powell
March 2023 24-Month Study
Lake Powell releases increased to 7.823 MAF in WY2023, with balancing releases considered in April 2023
WY2023 Max is 9.5 MAF, Min is 7.26 MAF
DROA suspension is incorporated (37 KAF retained in Flaming Gorge)
Lake Mead
March 2023 24-Month Study
Lake Mead will operate in Tier 2a Shortage condition in 2023
Lake Mead is currently projected to be in Tier 2d for 2024 if operational neutrality is not considered
End of Calendar Year 2023 Projections
March 2023 24-Month Study Most Probable Inflow Scenario
