ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Arizona's dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water management for the state, particularly in the arid climate where water resources are critical. Among the monitored water bodies, Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, a major reservoir, is currently at 3542 feet which is 27 feet below its average elevation of 3569 feet. Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine is another reservoir experiencing lower levels, with a gage height of just 44 feet compared to its average of 71.43 feet. Lake Mohave at Davis Dam is close to its average of 40.98 feet, currently at 40 feet. However, San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam has storage levels at a mere 13010 acre-feet, significantly lower than its average of 113840.66 acre-feet. Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Dam is one of the few with higher levels, at 180 feet, compared to an average of 174.34 feet.

These abnormal conditions can be attributed to various factors, including changes in river flows and snowpack levels upstream, along with regional weather patterns. For instance, Lake Powell, one of the largest artificial lakes in the country, shows a severe drop in storage, currently at 6,474,198 acre-feet, which is less than half of its average storage of 14,686,149.07 acre-feet. This may have been influenced by the climatic conditions discussed in the report 'The Biggest Weather Moments Of 2025 In Minnesota - Duluth Country Radio', which suggests broader regional climate impacts. In contrast, Lake Mohave has seen an increase in storage, now at 1,672,139 acre-feet compared to its average of 1,594,827.85 acre-feet. Lake Havasu's storage level is also lower than average, currently at 522,282 acre-feet versus an average of 572,726.59 acre-feet. The disparity in reservoir conditions reflects the complex interplay of regional water policies, discussed in 'Arizona water chiefs reports movement in Colorado River talks, potential Lake Powell protections - KJZZ', and the challenges faced by the National Park Service as noted in 'Deep cuts made 2025 a difficult year for National Park Service - ttownmedia.com'. The data also aligns with 'EPCOR delivers water solution for Rio Verde Foothills community - AZ Big Media', indicating responsive measures to manage water scarcity in affected areas. These conditions underscore the need for continued monitoring and adaptive water management strategies to address the varying water levels and ensure the sustainability of Arizona's water resources.

Arizona relies heavily on reservoirs and dams to store and manage its limited water resources. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and Lake Havasu. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks such as the Colorado River, Salt River, Verde River, and Gila River. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack in the surrounding mountains, particularly the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Record low levels have been observed in Lake Mead and Lake Powell due to drought conditions in recent years, leading to concerns about water supply for agriculture, industry, and municipalities. Seasonal trends show that the majority of precipitation occurs during the winter months, while the summer months are typically dry and hot. Water management in Arizona is a complex issue, with competing demands for water use and limited resources available.

Arizona relies heavily on reservoirs and dams to store and manage its limited water resources. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and Lake Havasu. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks such as the Colorado River, Salt River, Verde River, and Gila River. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack in the surrounding mountains, particularly the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Record low levels have been observed in Lake Mead and Lake Powell due to drought conditions in recent years, leading to concerns about water supply for agriculture, industry, and municipalities. Seasonal trends show that the majority of precipitation occurs during the winter months, while the summer months are typically dry and hot. Water management in Arizona is a complex issue, with competing demands for water use and limited resources available.