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Aug 17, 2021 - Energy & Environment

Satellite images show historic drought's impact on Colorado River in 1 year

Rebecca Falconer
These images show the low water levels at the Boulder Harbor Launch Ramp at Lake Mead in Boulder City, Nevada.

From left; Satellite images of Boulder Harbor Launch Ramp at Lake Mead in Boulder City, Nevada, on May 18, 2020, and on July 17 this year. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies

Newly released satellite images of the Colorado River and Lake Mead in Nevada show the impact the historic drought has had on the region in just one year.

The big picture: The nation's largest reservoir by volume is at its lowest level since being filled after the Hoover Dam's completion in the 1930s — prompting the federal government to this week for the first time declare a water shortage for Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam has been operating below its maximum capacity all summer, and it may drop further.

Lake Mead on the Colorado River
Lake Mead on the Colorado River, straddling the states of Nevada and Arizona on Aug. 8 2020
Lake Mead on the Colorado River on Aug. 8, 2020. The West is in the grip of the worst drought of this century, while has been hit by the first climate change-caused megadrought seen in the past 1,200 years, per Axios' Andrew Freedman. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
Lake Mead on Aug. 8, 2021.
Lake Mead on Aug. 8 this year. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
Southern Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam
Overview of Southern Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam
An overview of Southern Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on May 18, 2020. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
An overview of the southern Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on July 27
An overview of Southern Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on July 27 this year. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
Hemenway Harbor Boat Launch area
Hemenway Harbor Boat Launch at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on May 18
Hemenway Harbor Boat Launch at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on May 18. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
Hemenway Harbor Boat Launch at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on July 27
Hemenway Harbor Boat Launch at Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on July 27. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
The Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam on May 18
The Hoover Dam on May 18. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
The Hoover Dam on July 27
The Hoover Dam on July 27. Photo: Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies
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