Lake Powell Recovery Under Sustained High-Flow Scenarios: A CRSS Evaluation

This study evaluates whether sustained high-flow hydrologic conditions could restore Lake Powell to the equalization tier elevation of 3,636 ft using the Colorado River Simulation System (CRSS). Two main hydrology's were used for this analysis. The first being 15 million acre-feet (MAF) consistently for the 40 year test period. The second was a record high flow of 21 MAF for one year and then 11.5 MAF for the next 39 years of the test period. These high values represent historical high flows. System performance was assessed using reservoir elevation, storage recovery rate, and comparison to baseline hydrologic scenarios. Results show that under consistently high flows, the basin would recover, and the reservoirs would fill. One great water year would have some impact but not enough to sustain long-term recovery. To achieve long term recovery, basin management strategies must be adjusted.