Good news for Lake Powell as snowpack continues to melt
PHOENIX - Water levels on Lake Powell are rising thanks to the heavy snowpack in the Colorado Rockies, and currently, water levels are at 3,525 feet – up three feet compared to last year.
All that added runoff is allowing boat ramps that recently had to close down to open up again in time for summer.
The weather is heating up, and many people will be heading to the lake. With rising water levels, Lisa Cesaro with Aramark Destinations says Lake Powell will be a great option.
"Lake Powell is the mecca for houseboats," she says.
According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the runoff is 160% above normal and Lake Powell has a greater than 90% chance for the water levels to rise up to 90 feet by the end of summer. The snowpack from the Colorado Rockies is the main contributor.
"We're looking forward to watching the lake rise. It's already rising right now. The peak for the run-off is May and June, so we're going to really see it over the next few months," Cesaro said.
This is the most runoff the lake has received since 2011.
In recent years, the water levels have been so low that boat ramps and certain areas needed to be closed. This year, many of those will be re-opening.
A look at Bartlett Dam as Arizona releases water after wet and snowy winter
Because of our wet and snowy winter, Arizona has seen water releases from Valley dams that we haven't seen in years, including Bartlett Dam north of the Valley. So much water has been released there this year, it's equivalent to draining and filling Bartlett Lake three different times. FOX 10's Troy Hayden got special access to the dam to see how it all works.
Featured
A year of Arizona's wet weather made a big dent in drought conditions – but how much?
You might've guessed it. With a wet monsoon and a snowy, cold winter, Arizona's short-term drought from last summer has improved drastically. But are we out of the woods? FOX 10 Meteorologist Krystal Ortiz answers the questions you might have.
Map of Lake Powell's span: