Lake Powell, the United States’ second-largest reservoir, has reached an unprecedented low water level. This marks a significant point in the ongoing crisis impacting the Colorado River system.

This milestone for Lake Powell was reached on a recent Saturday. It follows the prior record low in Lake Mead, another major reservoir on the Colorado River. These declining levels threaten the basin, vital for wildlife, hydropower, and over 40 million residents in seven U.S. states.

States including California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado are struggling to form a long-term management strategy for this critical resource. Overuse, alongside a notably dry winter and rising temperatures, continues to drain both Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

On Saturday, Lake Powell’s elevation dropped to 3,519.91 feet (1,072.9 meters) above sea level. This slightly lowered its record set in April 2023, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The water level is more than 20 feet (6.10 meters) below the year’s starting point, according to USBR data.

This reservoir is now only about 30 feet (9.1 meters) from a critical level. If reached, hydroelectric turbines would cease operation. Federal warnings in April indicated a “major intervention” is required to prevent reaching this threshold this year.

USBR proposed a 10-year plan in July, suggesting significant water reductions for Arizona, California, and Nevada. This situation has evolved over years. Both reservoirs are at their lowest in nearly 70 years. Data from USBR suggests levels will continue to fall.

The last comparable storage level was in May 1957 when Glen Canyon Dam, which creates Lake Powell, was under construction. Lake Powell began filling in 1963.

The low water levels also affect Lake Powell’s thriving tourism. Marinas have had to adjust, with boat ramps closing or moving. New ramps are being constructed, and marinas have temporarily relocated to deeper areas.