Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Experts Call to Drain Lake Powell, Add Bypass Tunnels

7/8/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Experts propose draining Lake Powell and drilling bypass tunnels around Glen Canyon Dam, which lacks a bottom outlet that traps 6 million acre-feet.
  • The Bureau of Reclamation has cut releases, added Flaming Gorge water and will keep Lake Powell at above 3,500 ft until April 2027, raising it 54 feet.
  • Upper and Lower Basin states are drafting a water-management plan before current guidelines expire, which would still need congressional approval for dam removal.