In November 2021, we wrote "Where Did the Water Go" after our October visit to Lake Powell on the Arizona/Utah border. At the time we were shocked by how far the water level had fallen in the 3 years since our previous visit. In November, it looked certain that the lake level would drop below 3525 feet (above sea level). 3525 feet is considered a critical level, as the ability to generate power decreases dramatically below that level.
Well, on March 15 of this year, Lake Powell did drop below 3525 ft, forcing the Bureau of Reclamation, who runs the dam, to act. They decided to buy a little time by increasing releases from some upstream dams, like Flaming Gorge, while reducing releases from Lake Powell. This plan has achieved a bit of the intended result, and Lake Powell levels have risen again.
