Ken Clark

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Lake Mead Water Levels Dropping

April 27, 2012; 12:40 PM

Despite a late-season surge in precipitation across a large part of the West, Lake Mead is still expected to experience noticeable lower levels than when they peaked late last year. Of course, the huge rises in Lake Mead last year were brought about because of the exceptionally snowy winter over the Colorado River watershed. So a drop this year would have taken place even with a normally snowy winter. Therefore, it should not be a shock to anyone that the current level of Lake Mead is about 10 feet lower than this time last year and headed south.

Lake Powell bottomed out in mid-March with some minor rises since then.

This year, of course, there was below normal snowpack in the Colorado River watershed and thus there will be a more significant drop. But it is not a catastrophic as if we didn't have the kind of year there was 2010-2011. Lake Mead is not likely to drop to pre 2011 levels this year, again thanks to some late season snow and rain. But boat launches will have to be changed again to make up for the lower levels. If you are planning boating this year expect to have to drive just a bit farther to launch.

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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About This Blog

Ken Clark
Ken Clark's Western U.S. weather blog tackles daily weather events with commentary from one of the most experienced and trusted Western U.S. weather experts.