U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Built World

As of September 2026: Managing emergency stabilization of Lake Powell

Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the United States, has fallen to its lowest level on record. The surface dropped below the April 2023 mark on August 15 and kept sinking through early September, when it sat at 3,517.24 feet.

Updated Sep 23

Built World

As of September 2026: Operates Elephant Butte Reservoir and manages Rio Grande water releases

Boat ramps at Elephant Butte Lake State Park sit buried in sediment. In late July the lake dropped to 1.4 percent of capacity, its lowest level since 1971.

Updated Sep 6