

Water Woes XLVII USBR Kicks The Can
The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Weekly Hydrologic Update (8/2/26) shown above indicates Lake Powell is 23% full, Lake Mead is 27% full and the Colorado River System as a whole is at 32% capacity. This is the lowest capacity in 70 years! Not only is this a water supply emergency but also a power supply emergency. Lake Powell is only 22' from Minimum Power Pool Elevation-Adjusted (3,500') and Lake Mead is only 6' from Minimum Power Pool Elevation (1,035'). Min
Mark L. Johnson
4 hours ago


Water Woes XLVI CR Talks Stalled-Recharge-Turf Removal
Colorado River Talks Stalled-Post 2026 Operational Guidelines In May, the Lower Basin States (Arizona, California & Nevada) submitted a bridge proposal that will support the entire Colorado River system through 2028. This comprehensive package commits a minimum of 3.2 million acre-feet of Lower Basin States water savings in Lake Mead by 2028. The Upper Basin States (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming) have suggested that mediation take place. Since these two proposals
Mark L. Johnson
Jul 2


Water Woes XLV Monsoon 2026 Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS) has produced a very informative video presentation on monsoons and the precipitation prediction for the 2026 Monsoon Season (June 15-September 30). NWS is forecasting an above normal precipation for the 2026 Monsoon Season with the possibility of El Niño impacts from Pacific storms. Get those stormwater channels cleaned out and ready for action! Click on the link below to view the video:
Mark L. Johnson
Jun 2


TA Tidbits #79 Tortolita Sights & Sounds
Hiked the Wild Burro-Alamo Springs & Spur Loop early this morning. Have not been up there in a few months, as we had a poor wildflower bloom. However, despite the dryness, there are lots of great sights and sounds. Play the audio recording as you take a look at the photos: Panorama Looking Towards Marana, Desert Spoon in bloom, Saguaro flowers galore, but no fruit yet, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, and Red-tailed Hawk (click on photo to enlarge).
Mark L. Johnson
May 29



