We could see a crash on the Colorado River as soon as two years from now, or less." State leaders throughout the Colorado River basin seem to agree that significant cutbacks are needed, but conversations about who exactly should make those cutbacks often devolve into finger pointing. The report's second major proposal is to re-engineer Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back Lake Powell. Alex Hager/KUNC The Colorado River flows through Grand County, Colorado on Oct. 23, 2023. A September letter from former officials and academics said urgent changes are needed to protect Glen Canyon Dam.