Despite record winter precipitation in California, hydroelectric generation in the Western U.S. fell to a 22-year low in the 2022/23 water year, largely due to drought conditions in Washington and Oregon.

Governors of California, Arizona and Nevada have agreed to a three-year water conservation plan aimed at protecting the drought-stricken Colorado River system.

SPP says it expects “normal” summer operations in its balancing authority and reliability coordinator areas this summer, despite a projected drought.

CAISO says that 8,100 MW of new resources and California's record snowpack, which is expected to increase hydro generation by 72%, improve its summer forecast.

Washington state lifted its remaining drought designations because of an unexpectedly cool and wet May and June.

The latest forecast from the state Department of Water Resources warns Californians to prepare for a third consecutive year of drought because of low snowpack.

A dry January and February are clouding the prospects for hydroelectric generation this summer following two years of severe drought in California.

The West's reliance on imports could prove problematic during summer heat waves or when hydroelectric generation dries up because of drought, WECC said.

In its upcoming session, Washington lawmakers will likely set up millions in funding to deal with a probable drought in 2022.

A California Energy Commission workshop examined the potential for cloud seeding to increase precipitation and hydropower in the drought-stricken state.