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Story summary
- The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reported Lake Powell fell to 3,517.24 feet on September 10, 2026, a record low.
- NASA images showed level dropped below prior record low of 3,519.92 feet set April 13, 2023.
- 2025-2026 winter produced a record-low snowpack in Upper Colorado Basin, deepening decline.
- In April 2026, the Bureau released water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir and cut releases to Lake Mead.
- The Bureau warned that without intervention, the decline could jeopardize Glen Canyon Dam’s hydropower.