ARKANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

In the latest observations across the nation's dams and reservoirs, a comprehensive assessment reveals a mixed landscape of water storage levels, with variances that reflect the diverse climatic conditions and water management strategies at play. Some regions are experiencing surpluses, while others face droughts, underscoring the importance of adaptive water management.

Among the reservoirs recording higher than average storage levels are Lake Almanor in California, which currently holds over a million acre-feet more than its average, signifying a surplus that benefits local ecosystems and water supply. Conversely, Lake Powell in Arizona reflects a stark deficit, with its storage levels falling approximately 8 million acre-feet short of the average, indicative of the prolonged drought affecting the Colorado River Basin. Similarly, New Mexico's Elephant Butte Reservoir storage is significantly below its historical average, echoing water scarcity concerns in the Southwest. These conditions not only impact water availability for human consumption but also have far-reaching effects on agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and natural habitats. The variances in reservoir levels can often be traced back to factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, and regional precipitation patterns, which are influenced by broader climatic shifts and require ongoing monitoring and responsive water management strategies to ensure sustainable use and conservation of this vital resource.

Arkansas has numerous reservoirs and dams, with the White and Arkansas rivers being the major sources of water for these bodies. Some of the prominent reservoirs in the state include Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry Lake, and Beaver Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several creeks and tributaries, and the water levels are largely influenced by factors such as rainfall, snowpack, and seasonal trends. The Ozark and Ouachita mountains are significant in the hydrology of the area and contribute to the snowpack that ultimately feeds the reservoirs. In recent years, Arkansas has experienced severe drought conditions, with record-low water levels reported in several reservoirs. Lake Ouachita, the largest reservoir in the state, has experienced severe drought conditions and reached record-low levels in recent years. The drought conditions have also impacted other reservoirs in the state, with Beaver Lake and Greers Ferry Lake experiencing lower-than-normal water levels. Overall, the hydrology of Arkansas is influenced by several factors, including rainfall, snowpack, and seasonal trends. The state has experienced both record-breaking highs and lows, with drought conditions being a significant concern in recent years.

Arkansas has numerous reservoirs and dams, with the White and Arkansas rivers being the major sources of water for these bodies. Some of the prominent reservoirs in the state include Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry Lake, and Beaver Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several creeks and tributaries, and the water levels are largely influenced by factors such as rainfall, snowpack, and seasonal trends.

The Ozark and Ouachita mountains are significant in the hydrology of the area and contribute to the snowpack that ultimately feeds the reservoirs. In recent years, Arkansas has experienced severe drought conditions, with record-low water levels reported in several reservoirs.

Lake Ouachita, the largest reservoir in the state, has experienced severe drought conditions and reached record-low levels in recent years. The drought conditions have also impacted other reservoirs in the state, with Beaver Lake and Greers Ferry Lake experiencing lower-than-normal water levels.

Overall, the hydrology of Arkansas is influenced by several factors, including rainfall, snowpack, and seasonal trends. The state has experienced both record-breaking highs and lows, with drought conditions being a significant concern in recent years.