Arizona's network of dams and reservoirs is a cornerstone of the state's water supply and management system. These aquatic resources are subject to a host of environmental factors, including seasonal snowpack, river flows, and long-term climate patterns, which can cause fluctuations in water levels. In recent observations, some of Arizona's major reservoirs are experiencing conditions that deviate from their historical averages, with implications for water availability, ecosystem health, and resource management.

Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, a critical reservoir for the Colorado River Basin, shows a water surface elevation of 3578 feet above NAVD 1988, which is slightly above its average of 3570.9 feet. However, its storage figures are at a concerning 8,969,773 acre-feet, a significant decrease from the average 14,814,833 acre-feet. This indicates a long-term trend of water depletion, potentially linked to reduced snowpack and river inflows. Conversely, San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam is holding 167,800 acre-feet of water, well above its average of 115,867.86 acre-feet. This surplus suggests recent favorable conditions such as increased precipitation or runoff. Meanwhile, Blue Ridge Reservoir and Lake Mohave at Davis Dam are both reporting lower-than-average gage heights, which signals potential drought conditions. For Blue Ridge, the current gage height sits at 44 feet, significantly lower than its 71.43 feet average, while Lake Mohave’s gage height is at 36 feet, down from an average of 40.96 feet. In contrast, Horseshoe Reservoir at Horseshoe Dam is reporting a gage height of 109 feet, which surpasses the average of 80.97 feet, indicating unexpected water accumulation. Unfortunately, due to data unavailability, Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Dam’s current status cannot be accurately assessed.

These discrepancies in reservoir and dam conditions across Arizona illustrate the variable nature of water resources and underscore the importance of proactive water management strategies to address both surpluses and shortages. The data suggests that while some areas have benefited from favorable weather patterns, others are in the grip of persistent drought, prompting further investigations into the underlying hydrological dynamics and the need for sustainable water management practices.