“Historically Dry” February Could Lead to First-Ever Shortage Declaration at Lake Mead

Federal forecasters have downgraded their projections for the Colorado River after an unusually hot, dry February that has increased the likelihood of a first-ever shortage declaration at Lake Mead.

Forecasters are now predicting the arrival of shortage conditions at the nation’s largest man-made reservoir in January 2018. Just a month ago, forecasters expected Lake Mead to narrowly avoid the shortage line for at least the next two years.