ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Arizona's dam and reservoir system is experiencing varied conditions. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest reservoirs, is showing significantly low water surface elevation at 3531 feet against an average of 3567.99 feet, indicating a substantial decrease in water levels. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine is also well below its average gage height, measuring at 44 feet compared to the average of 71.43 feet. Conversely, Lake Mohave at Davis Dam is slightly above its average gage height of 40.98 feet, currently at 42 feet. Storage levels also reflect significant discrepancies; notably, San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam reveals drastic reduction in storage, holding 21070 acre-feet versus an average of 112728.06 acre-feet. However, Lake Mohave's storage exceeds its average, suggesting regional variations in water availability.

Abnormal conditions in some reservoirs can be attributed to factors such as prolonged droughts, below-average snowpack, and river flows impacted by climate change and increased consumption. Reports from 'The Weather Channel' and 'The Salt Lake Tribune' citing historic March heatwaves and dry winters hint at accelerated water crises in the Colorado River Basin. Organizations like 'americanrivers.org' highlight the need for leadership in water management, while 'The Good Men Project' discusses Arizona's water scarcity alongside data center expansions. These conditions underscore the importance of efficient water usage and management strategies to mitigate the stress on Arizona's water resources, as indicated by the current storage levels and measurements of major dams and reservoirs.

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.