ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 5, 2026

In Arizona, the latest observations of reservoirs and dams reflect a mixed picture of water storage conditions as of February 5, 2026. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest reservoirs, has seen a significant drop in water surface elevation to 3536 feet, falling 32.58 feet below its average. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine is currently at a gage height of 44 feet, notably below its average of 71.43 feet. However, Lake Mohave at Davis Dam presents a relatively stable condition, with a current gage height of 41 feet, marginally above its average of 40.97 feet. The storage at Lake Powell has plummeted to 6,109,141 acre-feet, substantially lower than its average of 14,673,297.75 acre-feet. In contrast, Lake Mohave has exceeded its average storage, currently holding 1,717,995 acre-feet compared to its average of 1,594,958.43 acre-feet.

These variations in reservoir levels are indicative of broader environmental challenges. The state’s water resources are under strain due to factors such as diminished snowpack levels, which have hit record levels of deficiency, affecting river flows into reservoirs. The Colorado River, a critical water source for Arizona and its dams, is subject to complex negotiations as stakeholders aim to avert legal conflicts and secure water allocations. Reports from resources like ABC15 Arizona and KJZZ highlight innovative attempts to address the water crisis, including technologies for water extraction from the air and agricultural shifts to water-efficient crops like alfalfa. The urgency is further underscored by GV Wire's reporting on the snow drought and FOX 10 Phoenix's forecast of record high temperatures, which could exacerbate water scarcity. Statewide, business and environmental groups emphasize the need for a fair and flexible approach to managing the Colorado River, as detailed by Chamber Business News and Maven's Notebook, to ensure the sustainability of Arizona's water supply in the face of climatic challenges.

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.