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USBR Diverts Flaming Gorge, Cuts Mead Flow, 40% Power Drop

5/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal officials gave Powell a lifeline by diverting water from Flaming Gorge.
USBR releases 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge and cuts Powell’s releases to Mead by 1.48 million acre-feet in September 2026.
Wyoming Water Commissioner Brandon Gebhart warned the release could close three boat ramps and hurt economies.
USBR said reduced releases could lower Hoover Dam’s power output 40 percent and cut kokanee salmon spawning, per Wyoming Game and Fish biologist John Walrath, harming trout food base.

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Story summary

Federal officials gave Powell a lifeline by diverting water from Flaming Gorge.
USBR releases 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge and cuts Powell’s releases to Mead by 1.48 million acre-feet in September 2026.
Wyoming Water Commissioner Brandon Gebhart warned the release could close three boat ramps and hurt economies.
USBR said reduced releases could lower Hoover Dam’s power output 40 percent and cut kokanee salmon spawning, per Wyoming Game and Fish biologist John Walrath, harming trout food base.