Projection based on historical years with similar peak snowpack percentage. Shows expected elevation gain during the runoff season (April-August).
Based on 2 historical years with similar snowpack
See how many feet the lake would rise with additional inflows at the current elevation. The canyon is narrower at lower levels, so each acre-foot of water raises the lake more.
April 2026 Federal Announcement: The Bureau of Reclamation reduced Lake Powell's Water Year 2026 release from 7.48 MAF to 6.0 MAF — saving 1.48 MAF that stays in Powell. Since Oct–Mar releases already went out at the old rate, the full 1.48 MAF of savings lands in the remaining Apr–Sep window. An additional 660K–1 MAF is being released from Flaming Gorge into Powell through April 2027.
This calculator shows the theoretical maximum elevation gain if the selected volume were added to today's lake level all at once. Actual gains will be lower because evaporation (~500–600 KAF/yr) and ongoing releases continue throughout the period. The presets below reflect the federal plan's expected net additions at key milestones.
At 3526 ft, each foot of rise requires ~62,800 acre-feet. The rate slows as the lake rises because the canyon widens.
Ramps gained with +2 MAF: Wahweap (3,550 ft)
Still below: Hite (3,650 ft), Antelope Pt (3,588 ft), The Cut (3,583 ft), Bullfrog (3,578 ft), Halls (3,556 ft)
Each band shows 15 feet of elevation. Width indicates storage capacity—the lake is V-shaped, so higher elevations hold significantly more water per foot.
Historical SWE trends for Upper Colorado. Current year shown in black.
Statistical shading percentiles are calculated from period of record (POR) data, excluding the current water year. Percentile categories range from: minimum to 10th percentile, 10th-30th, 30th-70th, 70th-90th, and 90th-maximum.
Average snowpack percentage for each major tributary that feeds into Lake Powell