ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Arizona's major dams and reservoirs are experiencing varying conditions, which may be indicative of broader environmental issues affecting water storage and management. The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell, a crucial reservoir for the Colorado River Basin, has a current water surface elevation of 3543 ft, which falls below the average of 3569.09 ft. This is a significant indicator of water scarcity challenges, aligning with ongoing reports of water crises and demand for compromises among the Colorado River states. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine is also below average, with a gage height of 44 ft compared to the typical 71.43 ft, while Lake Mohave at Davis Dam is slightly low, with a gage height of 39 ft against an average of 40.98 ft.

The San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam shows a dramatic decrease in storage, reporting only 12,180 acre-ft against a typical average of 113,966.97 acre-ft; this disparity suggests a severe water deficit, potentially related to lower snowpack or river flows. Conversely, Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Dam currently exceeds its average gage height, measuring 182 ft against the usual 174.33 ft. The storage data for Lake Powell reflects a significant shortfall, with only 6,516,605 acre-ft of water compared to an average of 14,689,021.89 acre-ft. In contrast, Lake Mohave's storage exceeds the average, with 1,647,105 acre-ft compared to 1,594,809.08 acre-ft, while Lake Havasu's storage is lower than its average of 572,741.2 acre-ft, at 507,089 acre-ft. The Horseshoe Reservoir data, unfortunately, is invalid with a gage height entry of -999999. These abnormal conditions may be linked to factors such as diminished snowpack and river flows, as well as policy and environmental challenges highlighted by sources discussing the Colorado River's ongoing water crisis and state-level negotiations. Additionally, the health of Arizona's rivers and the impact of nearby activities on national parks are pertinent considerations for understanding the broader context of these reservoir conditions.

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.