OK, I just boated the river up from Havasu to Laughlin and must tell you the river is extremely low. Most told us not to go because we would never make it and being true to form we went anyway and made the trip. A little outdrive repair is needed and the prop needs replaced but, DON'T EVER TELL ME I CAN'T MAKE IT!!!!! Pansies.
Anyway, We met some guy who proclaimed to be the dam expert. Well, he's either dam good or a dam moron I don't know which. Here's what he said:
The water flow is based at the bottom by what Mexico needs and can handle. He said people have built homes further down the water line than what the full flow will allow. They get really pissed if we realease all of the water and flood those homes. So we try to hold back the flow if possible.
Havasu is full, I have seen it and must agree. The water level is very high right now. Docks are floating above average.
Then we go above river. The flow is very slow. He said that's because whatever dam is above Laughlin is full and the power and water demands aren't sufficient to release any more. So they are releasing the minimum. And that dam is full also.
Next up is Mead, He said Mead was within a few days of filling up to capacity and is also releasing the minimum because of demands. Mead will be full soon.
That brings up Powell, Powell is now 100 feet below capacity. It will take a bit to bring it up but that's our and Mexico's safety cushion. That is where the water is going today.
He said we would pull out of this drought in a matter of weeks if the rain fall keeps coming. Then we have to figure out a way to get rid of the water. That is the next concern. If Powell fills there is nothing to do but open the gates down stream.
Is he a dam moron or a dam expert? I can't tell you but it made sense.
I didn't catch a single fish. Screw the water flow. That's what really matters.
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