Over half a century record of limnology data from Lake Powell, desert southwest United States: From reservoir filling to present day (1964–2021)

Abstract

AbstractLake Powell is a large water storage reservoir in the arid southwestern United States. Here, we present a 58‐yr limnology dataset that captures water quality parameters from reservoir filling to present day (temperature, salinity, major ions, total suspended solids), as well as a 38‐yr record of Secchi depth, and a ~ 30‐yr record of nutrients, phytoplankton, and zooplankton assemblages. The dataset includes 5208 unique site visits spanning 258 unique sites of which 9 have been consistently visited. It also spans the establishment of an invasive bivalve (Dreissena bugensis, i.e. Quagga mussel) which was first detected in 2012. Given the general lack of long‐term data from lakes or reservoirs in arid regions, this dataset represents a unique contribution to regional, continental, and global‐scale limnology studies. As the hot drought in the desert southwest continues, we expect this dataset will inform water management decision‐making for this largest reservoir in the Upper Colorado River Basin.