ALASKA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

As of the latest observations, Alaska's dams and reservoirs are facing particular challenges due to unique environmental conditions. The state's cold, dry winter, as discussed in Alaska Public Media, has implications for water storage levels, with lower inflows as a result of reduced snowpack and precipitation. This dryness, coupled with recent findings reported by Down To Earth and SciTechDaily that tundra fires are at a 3,000-year high, suggests an atypical stress on water resources. The reservoirs, critical for maintaining water supply and regulating river flows, are thus under scrutiny to ensure they can withstand these changing conditions.

Cross-referencing multiple data sources, including Your Alaska Link and Sierra Sun Times, it is apparent that the dry conditions observed in Alaska are part of a broader trend affecting the western states. The California and National Drought Summary indicates that even states as far south as California are experiencing abnormal dryness, with 12% of the state affected. This broader climatic context supports the observations of reduced water levels in Alaska's reservoirs. The measurements from the reservoirs indicate that storage levels are below average for this time of the year. This has implications for water availability for municipal and agricultural uses and potential impacts on local ecosystems. As the state's water managers contend with these environmental stressors, the data underscores the necessity for continued monitoring and the development of strategies to adapt to these shifting hydrological patterns.

Alaska has over 1,000 named lakes and reservoirs, with the largest ones being used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply. The major reservoirs include Eklutna Lake, Chena Lake, and the Bradley Lake Reservoir, which are fed by glaciers, snowmelt, and several rivers and creeks. The snowpack in the mountains is a vital source of water, and the timing of its melting affects the streamflow and reservoir levels. The hydrology in the area is complex, with various geological formations and climatic patterns. Alaska has experienced record-high temperatures and drought conditions in recent years, leading to reduced water availability in some areas. However, the seasonal trends, such as the increased precipitation during the summer months and the snow accumulation during the winter, generally ensure sufficient water supply for the state's needs.

Alaska has over 1,000 named lakes and reservoirs, with the largest ones being used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply. The major reservoirs include Eklutna Lake, Chena Lake, and the Bradley Lake Reservoir, which are fed by glaciers, snowmelt, and several rivers and creeks. The snowpack in the mountains is a vital source of water, and the timing of its melting affects the streamflow and reservoir levels. The hydrology in the area is complex, with various geological formations and climatic patterns. Alaska has experienced record-high temperatures and drought conditions in recent years, leading to reduced water availability in some areas. However, the seasonal trends, such as the increased precipitation during the summer months and the snow accumulation during the winter, generally ensure sufficient water supply for the state's needs.