This massive heat wave across the western US means the little bit of snowpack in the Rockies is going to melt early and fast, creating a slew of problems in the weeks and months to come, from drinking water availability to fire danger. Most dramatically, it has considerably upped the chances that Lake Powell will reach below minimum power pool levels this year. That means water won't be able to flow through the turbines at Glen Canyon Dam, which provide electricity to 5.8 million homes and businesses across seven states. There's also a decent chance the lake reaches dead pool levels, which means water will not flow beyond the dam, destroying the Colorado River ecosystem through the Grand Canyon. Estimates of inflows to Lake Powell were at 36% of normal on March 1 and now they have been reduced to 27%. There's less coming in then going out.
Sierra snowpack compared to previous years--declining when it should be peaking. Will affect everything from fire danger to grocery prices.
They still have a long way to go and will have some crisis events along the way, but they seem to be at least starting to do something.
