Will All That Mountain Snow Improve The Water Level Of Lake Mead?
After news of an avalanche up at Mount Charleston earlier this week, it’s obvious this winter storm is leaving us with lots of mountain snow. Maybe not as much as…
Snow covered alpine terrain in the Mt. Charleston area of the Spring Mountains to the west of Las Vegas on a bright, sunny day.
robertcicchetti via Getty ImagesAfter news of an avalanche up at Mount Charleston earlier this week, it’s obvious this winter storm is leaving us with lots of mountain snow. Maybe not as much as last year’s storms, but it is a good start to the season. Although the residents in the mountains surrounding Las Vegas have to deal with all that snow, the hope is that all this precipitation will help improve the water level of Lake Mead.
Does Mountain Snow Help Replenish Water Levels Of Lake Mead?
So, the question becomes: Does mountain snow near Las Vegas benefit Lake Mead? In general, yes, it does, but not directly. However, all the precipitation we receive during the winter does help replenish the water levels of the natural aquifers underground.
A quick Google search reveals that our region’s underground aquifer sits "300 to 1,500 feet below ground." This aquifer supplies most of the drinking water for the Las Vegas valley. Therefore, whether it is runoff from mountain snow, or rain here in the valley, it all helps.
Not to mention the fact that all precipitation in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, and the entire southwest region helps. How? More rainfall and snowstorms create less demand for the water supply from the Colorado River. That’s the river which fills Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Likewise, the Colorado River is the main supplier of water for about 40 million people in eight states, plus Mexico.
Here's A Helpful Tip When We Get Lots Of Rain
While the folks around Mount Charleston dig out from under all that snow it’s good to remember this helpful tip. You can turn off your sprinklers for a week or so after we get a good soaking here in the valley. Additionally, Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District officials remind us to let nature handle watering of lawns, trees and shrubs whenever we can. Less demand always helps our valley’s water supply.
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Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
