Overview
- Government river forecasters reduced the April–July inflow projection for Lake Powell to 1.75 million acre-feet, down from 2.3 million on March 1 and 3.65 million at the start of the year.
- USDA SNOTEL data show Colorado’s statewide snowpack at the worst level in the 41-year record, with an unusually early peak and rapid melt.
- A mid-March heat wave set temperature records, including Phoenix’s earliest 100°F and 105°F days and Salt Lake City’s earliest 80°F, underscoring the accelerated melt.
- NOAA’s March 20 spring outlook calls for above-normal temperatures through June with persistent drought across much of the Upper Colorado River Basin.
- Colorado activated its Drought Task Force, Denver Water plans watering restrictions starting March 25, and utilities warn of reduced runoff while flagging risks to reservoir storage and hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam.