Drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation | Feb. 17, 2009 (Special Report)

The Upper Colorado River Basin is experiencing a protracted multi-year drought which began in October 1999. Lake Powell was essentially full during the summer of 1999 with reservoir storage at 97 percent of capacity. However, it became evident with the low precipitation totals of October, November and December, at only 30 percent of average, that the stage was set for the first year of low runoff which occurred in 2000.

Inflow to Lake Powell ... Full Story »

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Subjects: World, Sci/Tech
Topics: Water
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Posted by: Posted by Marsha Iverson - Feb 25, 2009 - 9:44 AM PST
Reviewed by: Marsha Iverson (review)
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Edited by: Marsha Iverson - Feb 25, 2009 - 9:52 AM PST

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Marsha Iverson
3.9
 by Marsha Iverson - Feb. 25, 2009

Straightforward report from the Bureau of Reclamation of continuing drought on the Colorado River, and the related impacts along the river's 1,450-mile course. The current drought began in 1999, with 2002 as the lowest precipitation on record. There is no way to predict an end.

The Arizona desert is my home territory, and the Colorado Plateau a favorite retreat. I know this country well, and was raised on a desert farm irrigated by water from the Colorado River and the Salt River Project. Fluctuations in the water supply for the desert southwest are legendary--as witnessed by the well-preserved ruins of ancient cultures long gone. For my entire lifetime, Americans have expected a permanent solution the water problem through technology, yet the best we can ... More »

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