Following two wet winters, new projections show Lake Mead has zero chance of falling below 1,000 feet before 2028. This is a significant improvement from January's projection
The projections still indicate a 13 percent chance that Lake Mead could fall below 1,020 feet by 2028, unchanged from January. The lowest recorded elevation was 1,040.58 feet in 2022.
The reservoir hit a record low of 1,040 feet in July 2022 due to prolonged drought and overconsumption of water in the southwestern U.S.
The five-year projections are crucial as the 2007 Colorado River interim guidelines will expire in 2026. Colorado River states are debating new strategies for managing water scarcity.
Lake Mead stores water for 25 million people. In recent years, the reservoir has been significantly below average levels, impacting water supply in the region.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's mid-June two-year projection will determine if Nevada needs further water usage cuts. Last year, Nevada had to reduce its Colorado River
While the projections offer hope, ongoing climate variability and interstate water politics present significant challenges. The upcoming projection will be crucial for southern Nevada's water