ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Arizona's dams and reservoirs are exhibiting varying levels of water storage, with some deviating significantly from their historical averages as observed in recent data. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, a key reservoir, is currently at an elevation of 3543 feet, which is 26 feet below its average, indicating lowered water storage capacity. Meanwhile, Lake Mohave's storage has risen slightly above average, suggesting localized variations in water availability. San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam faces a stark reduction in storage, holding only 12,150 acre-feet compared to its average of 113,998.72 acre-feet, a clear signal of abnormal conditions that may impact water supply. Other reservoirs like Blue Ridge and Horsehoe exhibit lower than average levels with Blue Ridge at 44 feet, a significant drop from its 71.43 feet average, and Horseshoe providing an unmeasurable figure, which could indicate critical operational issues. In contrast, Bartlett Reservoir exceeds its average gage height, pointing to better-than-expected storage levels.

The abnormal conditions in Arizona's reservoirs can be linked to broader environmental issues including snow droughts in California and contentious water allocation along the Colorado River, as reported by sources like POLITICO Pro and The Washington Post. Lake Mead, a major water source fed by the Colorado River, has seen slight improvements recently, but the overall crisis persists with no long-term agreement in sight, highlighting the challenges faced by Arizona's water management amidst ongoing aridification. The state's reservoirs reflect the impact of decreased river flows and snowpack levels, with federal demands for compromise underscoring the urgency of finding solutions to the region's water scarcity. The situation is reflective of larger climate trends affecting the Southwest, necessitating collaborative and innovative approaches to water conservation and resource management.

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.