Drought affecting lake levels in Arizona

追加: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]This is Upper Lake Mary.

[00:00:02]After a normal winter, I should be floating, not standing here. But, the snowpack that feeds this lake is basically nonexistent this year, now impacting lakegoers.

[00:00:14]Lake activities are synonymous with summer.

[00:00:18]People in Flagstaff often choose Lake Mary, just southeast of town, for lake activities like fishing. Definitely stocked with fish. It's got a lot of fish. We're only out here for about 25-30 minutes and we got some bites.

[00:00:31]Jordan Minor and Ela McQuality are visiting from Prescott. It's their first time at the lake, spending the weekend camping and fishing here for the holiday weekend.

[00:00:40]But, they thought there would be more water. Well, on Google Maps, it looks like a full blue lake and so we were a little surprised when we looked over and just saw a field, but at least Upper Lake Mary had plenty of water and like he said, plenty of fish, so we had a great time overall.

[00:00:56]Lower Lake Mary is completely dry.

[00:00:59]While Upper Lake Mary is at 22 and 1/2% full, according to the city of Flagstaff. The reason, Lake Mary relies on snowmelt. And this year, snow has been hard to come by. The National Weather Service says this past winter saw the fourth lowest snowpack on record, leaving little water to make it to the lake. We know there's been less snow and less snowmelt, so it's kind of to be expected.

[00:01:24]>> The majority of the state is in severe drought. Up near Page, Lake Powell is 172 ft below full pool, less than a quarter from full, according to the lake's water database. As for Jordan and Ela, they say they've had a great time despite the low lake level.

[00:01:40]>> We definitely felt it in the wintertime this year, you know, not having as much snowpack.

[00:01:44]But, nonetheless, I mean, it doesn't change anything getting out here and supporting local business and just, like I said, being 15-20 minutes away from town is is awesome.

[00:01:53]Reporting from Lake Mary, Mason Carroll, for Arizona's Family.