Lake Powell, the second-largest U.S. reservoir, is currently at 24% capacity and approaching the 'dead power pool' threshold—a critical level below which the dam cannot generate hydroelectric power. This intensifies the water crisis across the western U.S. as climate warming and overallocation of Colorado River water continue to strain the system. Scientists are now proposing emergency measures like draining Lake Powell to preserve water in Lake Mead, and basin states are struggling to reach consensus on how to manage the crisis going forward.