Elephant Butte Reservoir

Watershed Hydrology

The Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed, located in New Mexico, covers an area of approximately 2,200 square miles. It is primarily a semi-arid region with limited surface water and relies heavily on snowpack for its water supply. The Rio Grande is the primary source of surface water for the reservoir, which is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities. Snowpack in the watershed is highly variable and strongly influenced by El Niño and La Niña cycles. The reservoir has a storage capacity of over 2 million acre-feet and serves as an important water source for both New Mexico and Texas. The reservoir has been impacted by high levels of sedimentation, which has reduced its storage capacity and negatively affected its water quality. Additionally, drought conditions in recent years have led to decreased water levels and increased salinity. Overall, the Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed is an important resource for the region, but faces ongoing challenges related to water supply and quality.


Surface Flows

Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Elephant Butte Reservoir Watershed

Elephant Butte Reservoir Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed