Lake Powell Sits Just 34 Feet Above Dead Pool Threshold
Reclamation warns the reservoir could fall below the threshold that halts Glen Canyon Dam's power turbines by August 2026.
- 3,490 feet marks the minimum power pool, below which Glen Canyon Dam's turbines cannot spin.
- Lake Powell now measures roughly 3,524 to 3,527 feet, a buffer of just 34 to 37 feet.
- Reclamation issued the April 17, 2026 release titled 'Reclamation Acts to Protect Colorado River System.'
Why it matters: A margin measured in single feet shows a river promised to more users than it can supply.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, news release "Reclamation Acts to Protect Colorado River System" (Apr 17, 2026) and Glen Canyon Dam operations page ↗ · Jul 14, 20267/14/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check