A study released in August recognizes that the “Colorado River system is reaping the benefits of this winter’s above-average snowfall, at least for the short term.” Despite Lake Mead rising, long-term drought persists, and further steps are needed to avoid returning to a Tier 2 Shortage.
What are the next steps? As the article explains: “This year’s favorable hydrology will allow Reclamation and the Basin States to focus on developing the post-2026, long-term operating guidelines to ensure a stable Colorado River system for the 40 million people who rely upon it.”
