Lake Powell hits historic low, raising hydropower concerns in Arizona

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - Lake powell, the source of power that millions of people in the U.S. West rely on for electricity has fallen below a critical threshold, raising new concerns this morning.

The massive reservoir dipped below 3,525 feet Tuesday, putting it at its lowest level since the lake filled after the federal government dammed the Colorado River at Glen Canyon more than a half century ago.

It comes as hotter temperatures and less precipitation leave a smaller amount flowing through the over-tapped Colorado River.

If Lake Powell drops even more, it could soon hit “deadpool” — the point at which water likely would fail to flow through the dam and onto Lake Mead.

Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico already are taking a combination of mandatory and voluntary cuts tied to Lake Mead’s levels.

And this is concerning because about 5 million customers in seven states, including Arizona buy power generated at Glen Canyon dam.