ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Arizona's network of dams and reservoirs plays a critical role in water storage and management across the state. As of the latest observations (January 11, 2026), several reservoirs reveal concerning deviations from their average levels. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, a significant reservoir, is currently at an elevation of 3541 feet, considerably below its average of 3568.89 feet. Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine also registers a notable decline, with a gage height of 44 feet against an average of 71.43 feet. Similarly, San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam reports 14,890 acre-feet of water, drastically lower than its average storage of 113,685.44 acre-feet. In comparison, Lake Mohave presents an abnormal increase in water storage—1,697,959 acre-feet, exceeding its average of 1,594,860.66 acre-feet. The data for Horseshoe Reservoir at Horseshoe Dam indicates an error with a gage height of -999999 feet, necessitating immediate verification and correction.

The abnormal conditions observed in these reservoirs may be attributed to factors such as variable snowpack levels, climate change, and river flows. Lake Powell's reduced water surface elevation could be connected to the ongoing drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin, as detailed in draft plans for river management. The increase in Lake Mohave's storage level may be linked to recent storms in California, as reported by MSN, despite the continued low appearance of connected Lake Mead. San Carlos Reservoir's low storage is likely impacted by regional groundwater overpumping, a critical issue addressed in recent agreements to reduce such extraction, as covered by the Arizona Daily Star. These fluctuations underscore the need for vigilant water management and conservation measures to address the water security challenges facing Arizona, particularly in light of legislative focuses on tax cuts, education, and housing affordability, which may indirectly affect water resource allocations and policies.

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.