Lake Mead to experience significant rise following near-record snowpack melt-off, says Bureau of Reclamation

LAS VEGAS – Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, is projected to experience a significant rise this summer, following near-record snowpack melt-off, according to the latest forecasts released by the Bureau of Reclamation on Thursday.

After experiencing a drop of more than 50 feet since 2020, Lake Mead is now expected to rise by approximately 22 feet by the end of the year, thanks to the substantial winter snowpack and projected runoff.

The bureau will now release 2.5 million acre-feet more water than initially planned from Lake Powell to Lake Mead during the current water year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, giving the reservoir a much-needed boost.

The added water will raise Lake Mead to roughly 1,068 feet by December, a level that it has not reached since 2014.

The Las Vegas Valley relies on Lake Mead for 90% of its water, but the forecasted levels would still keep Lake Mead under a federal water shortage declaration.

Credit: Review Journal