CA01476-DETENTION-POND-A RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

In the current assessment of the nation's dams and reservoirs, we observe a complex mosaic of storage levels across different regions. While some reservoirs are brimming, others are facing drought-like conditions, reflecting the vast variations in weather patterns, water management strategies, and geographical disparities.

Notably, major reservoirs like Lake Powell in Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada, which are critical for water supply in the Southwest, are experiencing low storage levels, with Lake Powell at just over 40% of its average storage. This can be attributed to prolonged periods of drought and increased demand for water. On the other hand, reservoirs like New Melones in California and Lake San Antonio are reporting storage levels well above their averages, which could be due to recent heavy precipitation and effective water management practices.

In the Northeast, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Greenwood Lake in New Jersey are close to their average storage levels, indicating stable conditions. However, some reservoirs in New Jersey, such as Wanaque Reservoir and Maurice R. at Union Lake Dam, show significant deviations from their average levels, which could be indicative of local water usage patterns or variations in rainfall.

Out West, reservoirs in Colorado like Dillon and Granby are below their average storage levels, an issue that may be linked to reduced snowpack and river flows feeding into these systems. In contrast, Utah's Utah Lake boasts storage figures surpassing its average, pointing to an effective accumulation of water resources in the area.

The storage situation has direct implications for water availability for agriculture, household consumption, industry, and maintaining ecological balance. The disparities also highlight the need for region-specific water management strategies to ensure sustainable usage and conservation. Researchers and hydrologists are keenly observing these trends to adapt and plan for the challenges posed by climate variability and growing water demands.