Current Colorado River Conditions
Colorado River Water Supply Report
System Contents*: 21.92 MAF
As of May 22, 2023
Last Year System Contents: 20.44 MAF
Reservoir Capacities (MAF)
Snow Accumulation
For the overall Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell, the snow accumulation to date is at 7.6 in., which is 153% of the 30-year median for this date of 5.0 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
May 2023 24-Month Study
Lake Powell releases decreased to 9.3 MAF in WY2023, with balancing releases evaluated each remaining month of the water year
WY2023 Max is 9.5 MAF, Min is 8.92 MAF
Lake Mead
May 2023 24-Month Study
Lake Mead will operate in Tier 2a Shortage condition in 2023
Lake Mead is currently projected to be in Tier 1 for 2024
Tier determinations are based on physical elevations
