AL02253-J-M-GASTON-DAM-4 RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

As the latest data reveals, the nation's dams and reservoirs are experiencing a range of water storage levels, with some holding surpluses and others facing drought conditions. Notably, while some reservoirs like Lake Almanor in California are above their average storage levels, suggesting ample water supply, others like Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico are significantly below, indicating potential water scarcity concerns. Factors contributing to these variances include regional precipitation patterns, snowpack melt rates, and long-term climate trends affecting river flows.

In particular, Colorado's Granby Reservoir exceeds its average storage, possibly benefiting from efficient snowpack runoff, while the iconic Lake Powell, straddling Arizona and Utah, stands at less than half its average, echoing long-term drought issues in the Southwest. Conversely, Lake Mead in Nevada also reflects severe storage deficits, raising alarms about water availability for millions. These conditions underscore the importance of strategic water management and the necessity to monitor and adapt to the changing hydrological conditions affecting our dams and reservoirs.