If the 24-month modeling shows the reservoir dropping below 1,030 feet, then consultation begins. Lake Mead sits currently at about 1,065 feet above sea level, nearly 150 feet lower than when it is full. This is known as 1,030’ Consultation, a reference to Lake Mead’s elevation. But the hydrologic modeling was so serious that it triggered something else, a clause in the DCP that required the states to consult and to develop measures to prevent the reservoir from falling to an extremely low elevation. The historic (and expected) declaration was widely reported both nationally and even internationally. When the federal government released Colorado River modeling in August, hydrologic forecasts were so severe that they triggered a first-ever shortage declaration for a watershed that serves about 40 million people in the West. In fact, a requirement in the DCP gave rise to the 500+ Plan. As with many things on the Colorado River, the plan is voluntary - sort of.
Since August, top water officials in each state have been negotiating further reductions in a new plan, known as the 500+ Plan. The states, which collectively comprise the Lower Colorado River Basin, already have a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) in place to keep more water in the reservoir.īut it might not be enough to keep Lake Mead stable. Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico all rely on Colorado River water stored in Lake Mead, which dropped to a historic-low level earlier this year amid continued overuse and prolonged drought conditions.
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