rollermonkeysmom

LAKE POWELL IS SURGING! 17 INCHES IN JUST 24 HOURS. 🤯 Another incredible update from Lake Powell. The reservoir has climbed 19 FEET since hitting its lowest level in mid-September. And the water just keeps coming. Here’s what’s happening: 🌊 Massive inflows: Recent rainfall across the Four Corners has generated tremendous runoff into the Colorado River system. The San Juan River has been a major contributor, accounting for an unusually large share of the water flowing into Lake Powell. 🌧️ Flooding is driving the rise: Some areas of southeastern Utah and the Four Corners have experienced catastrophic flooding. That floodwater doesn’t disappear once the rain stops. It continues moving downstream through the San Juan River drainage and eventually makes its way into Lake Powell. We’re still seeing that runoff work its way through the system. 💧 How much water are we talking about? A 19-foot rise represents approximately 1.1 million acre-feet of additional water, or roughly 360 billion gallons. That’s an extraordinary amount of water entering the reservoir in a relatively short period. And we’re not finished. Based on the continued runoff and water still working its way downstream, Lake Powell could climb another several feet. We could be looking at a total rise of 23-25 FEET from its September low by the time this event winds down next week. Think about that for a moment. We’re seeing a massive reservoir gain tens of feet in the middle of FALL, not during the traditional spring snowmelt season. This is an exceptionally unusual and potentially historic fall runoff event for the Colorado River system. One important perspective: This is tremendous news for Lake Powell, but it doesn’t erase the long-term water challenges facing the Colorado River Basin. The lake is still well below full pool. Still, what we’re witnessing right now is remarkable. And I’ll continue tracking the numbers as more of this water makes its way into the reservoir. Mother Nature is delivering an incredible amount of water to Lake Powell.