ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

In the latest observations from Arizona's reservoirs and dams, data shows a mix of storage levels with some significantly deviating from their historical averages. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest reservoirs in the state, is currently at an elevation of 3545 feet, which is notably below its average of 3569.3 feet, indicating lower water levels than usual. Similarly, Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine is also experiencing below-average conditions with its gage height at 44 feet, considerably lower than the average of 71.43 feet. However, Lake Mohave at Davis Dam is closer to its average gage height, reporting 40 feet against a 40.98-foot average. San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam shows a significant drop in water storage, with current levels at 11,790 acre-feet, starkly lower than the average storage of 114,284.83 acre-feet. While Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Dam is reporting higher than average conditions, with a gage height of 187 feet against an average of 174.28 feet. Data for Horseshoe Reservoir at Horseshoe Dam suggests an error with a gage height reported as -999999 feet, raising the need for a data quality check.

Lake Powell's storage is also worth noting; it is currently at 6,649,985 acre-feet, significantly less than the average of 14,696,493.25 acre-feet, indicating a reduced water supply. Lake Mohave's storage is slightly above average at 1,689,869 acre-feet compared to 1,594,750.62 acre-feet. Meanwhile, Lake Havasu's storage is below average at 548,138 acre-feet, against an average of 572,778.86 acre-feet. These abnormal conditions, particularly the lower levels at Lake Powell and San Carlos Reservoir, could be related to lower than expected snowpack and reduced river flows, as suggested by recent climate observations indicating a slower start to winter with cooler temperatures and less snowfall across the region. The environmental changes are further supported by various local news reports on cooler weather patterns and new climate studies discussing the historical context of climate shifts in the Southwest. As the region navigates these changes, water management practices and conservation efforts may need to adapt to address the current disparities in reservoir and dam levels.

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.