Lake Powell's current water level as of September 3, 2025, is approximately 3,547.77 feet above mean sea level, which is about 152 feet below "full pool" capacity of 3,700 feet.[1][2][3]
Detailed Water Level Information
- The elevation on September 3, 2025, is 3,547.77 feet MSL, down nearly 33 feet compared to last year at this time.[2][1]
- The reservoir is at about 29% of total capacity, indicating a very low storage level for the time of year.[4]
- The change in water level on September 3 was a decrease of 0.15 feet from the previous day, continuing a downward trend.[1]
Context and Projections
- Outflows from Glen Canyon Dam are exceeding inflows, so Lake Powell is expected to continue dropping through the remainder of 2025.[2][4]
- Projections from the Bureau of Reclamation indicate the lake may end 2025 close to 3,538 feet, which would be a new record low if reached.[5][6]
- "Minimum power pool" (where hydropower generation stops) is at about 3,490 feet, so hydropower generation is at risk, but the lake remains above this threshold for now; "deadpool," at about 3,370 feet, is the point where water can no longer be released downstream.[6]
Operational Impacts
- Several launch ramps have closed or become inoperable due to declining water levels.[4]
- Recreational access is affected, with floating infrastructure needing ongoing adjustment.[6]
Lake Powell continues to experience severe drought impacts and low inflows, keeping levels dangerously low as it enters autumn 2025.[7][8]
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- https://powell.uslakes.info/Level/
- https://lakepowell.water-data.com/LP_WaterDB_printable.php
- https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/changing-lake-levels.htm
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhriw0i1Tnk
- https://www.usbr.gov/uc/water/crsp/cs/gcd.html
- https://www.watermatters.life/p/lake-powell-on-the-brink-deadpool-dilema
- https://www.drought.gov/news/western-drought-issue-2025-09-03
- https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/weekly.pdf
- https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09379900/
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