Discover Magazine – 02.13.2025 | Lake Mead and Lake Powell could be in for another record year for low water levels as a snow drought persists throughout the Western U.S. 

With minimal snowfall in the last two months, the Colorado snowpack will likely not provide an abundant water supply to the lakes. And the snow drought could impact crucial drinking water sources.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell are crucial reservoirs that provide water to several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, and include major cities such as Las Vegas. On top of that, the lakes are a major source of recreation in the area and generate millions of dollars for the local economy. 

According to the National Park Service, the Lake Mead National Recreational Area generated $358 million in 2023, a $15 million increase from the year before. In 2022, Lake Mead saw its lowest levels on record, dropping to 1040.92 feet, which is less than 30 percent full. 

The 2023 winter season brought some relief at of the end of 2024, but Lake Mead is still only at 1063 feet. When it’s at capacity, Lake Mead is at about 1,229 feet. The snow drought won’t help these levels.