ARIZONA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Arizona's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water management, but current observations reveal some concerning trends. As of December 29, 2025, Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam, a major reservoir, shows its surface elevation at 3543 feet, significantly below the average of 3569.03 feet. This is reflective of broader issues facing the Colorado River system, as reported by myriad sources discussing the river's overuse and the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, Lake Mohave's storage levels are slightly above average, indicating fewer immediate concerns there.

The Blue Ridge Reservoir near Pine and the San Carlos Reservoir at Coolidge Dam exhibit more alarming conditions. The Blue Ridge's gage height stands at 44 feet, well below its average of 71.43 feet, suggesting potential problems for local water supply and ecological balance. The San Carlos Reservoir storage is at a mere 12,600 acre-feet, drastically lower than its average of 113,887.85 acre-feet, which could reflect recent monsoon floods or ongoing water allocation disputes, as indicated by FEMA's denial of aid to Arizona counties and stalled Colorado River negotiations. Such abnormal conditions are possibly linked to reduced snowpack and river flows, complicated by corporate interests in water resources. Conversely, Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Dam is slightly above its usual gage height, which could be due to recent regional weather patterns. Data inconsistencies with the Horseshoe Reservoir at Horseshoe Dam prevent a clear assessment, highlighting the need for reliable monitoring systems. These fluctuations underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of climatic and human-induced pressures on Arizona's water infrastructure.

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.