Important negotiations regarding the Colorado River’s future paused for two weeks after the basin’s seven states missed a Valentine’s Day deadline, New Mexico’s water negotiator reported. Talks resumed on March 2, with upper and lower basin states considering a short-term proposal from Nevada.
Estevan López stated, “Right now, we’re in discussions with the lower basin about a potential short-term agreement,” during a meeting with New Mexico’s Interstate Stream Commission.
Nevada proposes increasing water releases from upper basin reservoirs such as Flaming Gorge by at least 500,000 acre-feet to prevent Lake Powell from dropping too low.
Forecasts suggest Lake Powell could stop generating hydropower by December. Lower-basin states would cut their water use by 1.25 million acre-feet until conditions improve.
López mentioned upper basin states have a counter-proposal with talks scheduled for further discussion. He added, “The hydrology right now is incredibly dire,” suggesting a release from upper units like Flaming Gorge to support Lake Powell.
Meanwhile, the Interior Department is reviewing numerous comments on managing the river, with alternatives published in January. These options could lead to significant water reductions in lower basin states or new conservation incentives.
After missing two deadlines for an agreement, there’s a growing possibility the federal government will devise a plan before current guidelines expire in the fall. Water negotiators face challenges with a poor water supply forecast and historically low snowpack across the West.
Cody Moser from the federal Colorado Basin River Forecast Center reported that only 2.3 million acre-feet of Colorado River water is expected to reach Lake Powell by July, roughly a third of the norm. He highlighted the concerning forecast with a map showing 30 to 50 percent of normal runoff in some areas.
An attorney from New Mexico’s Interstate Stream Commission indicated the state expects the Interior Department to propose a preferred river management option by July, as current guidelines for Lakes Powell and Mead end this fall.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org