The latest Bureau of Reclamation report on water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead trigger new drought contingencies in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming will launch a new drought response operations plan as water levels in Lake Powell continue to drop, according to a press release by the Upper Colorado River Commission.
According to terms established by the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's May 24-Month Study signals the new for the new drought response plan to keep water levels in Lake Powell from dropping below 3,525 feet. Lake Powell is currently at an elevation of 3,560.6 feet and is approaching its lowest level since the reservoir began filling in the early 1960s.
A new drought response operation plan "would first consider the operational flexibilities at Lake Powell, consistent with existing legal and operational constraints," according to the press release.
If those flexibilities are unable to prevent Lake Powell elevations from falling below 3,525 feet, the parties will consider releases of water to Lake Powell from the upstream reservoirs of Flaming Gorge, Blue Mesa, and Navajo (“Initial Units” under the Colorado River Storage Project Act). Releases could be made from some or all of the Initial Units and would likely occur in varying quantities and times but consistent with current legal and operational requirements at the facilities. A plan would also include the recovery of water at the participating Initial Units to restore operating elevations at those facilities to their pre-plan levels.
The "megadrought" gripping the U.S. Southwest and the Colorado River watershed is only expected to get worse. The Drought Contingency Plan was first triggered for Upper Colorado states in January, when that month's 24-Month Study triggered enhanced monitoring and coordination—and a warning for states to prepare for drought. Similar conditions for Lower Colorado state were triggered the same year as the DCP was signed into law. Arizona is already preparing to manage with 20 percent less water from the Colorado Rover.
FULL STORY: Upper Division States and Reclamation to Begin Development of Drought Response Operations Plan

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
A study comparing green space and walkability scores found that, without effective access to local parks, residents of greener neighborhoods don’t reap the health benefits.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

Chicago Announces ‘Better Streets for Buses’ Plan
The plan establishes a ‘toolkit’ of improvements to make the bus riding experience more reliable, comfortable, and accessible.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Morganton
San Joaquin County
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.