How American Monsoon Will Impact Lake Powell, Mead Water Crisis in 2026

The North American monsoon could bring welcome rain to parts of the drought-hit Southwest this summer but forecasters and water specialists warn it is unlikely to meaningfully reverse the crisis gripping Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

The two reservoirs—the largest in the United States and critical storage points for the Colorado River—remain at severely depleted levels after years of drought, climate change-driven aridification and heavy demand from cities, farms and tribal communities across the West.