ARKANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Amid fluctuating climate conditions and the ever-present challenge of water resource management, the latest analysis of the nation's dams and reservoirs reveals a complex tapestry of surpluses and deficits that paint a nuanced picture of America's hydrological landscape.

In the Northeast, Lake Winnipesaukee at Weirs Beach, NH, shows a minor deficit in gage height, sitting at 3 feet against an average of 3.77 feet. Similarly, Indian Lake near Indian Lake, NY, closely aligns with its average, pointing towards a stable water balance. However, concern arises as Wanaque Reservoir at Wanaque, NJ, dips significantly below its average elevation, potentially indicating a drought situation that merits close monitoring. The Maurice River at Union Lake Dam in NJ experiences a notable reduction in streamflow, accentuating the need for a prudent approach to managing the water supply in the region.

Conversely, Prompton Reservoir in Pennsylvania, along with General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir, hints at a surplus scenario with current elevations slightly above average, which may suggest a robust water reserve that could buffer against dry conditions.

The southern states present a mixed bag, with the Maurice River at Union Lake Dam in NJ indicating a concerning decrease in streamflow. In contrast, North Carolina's Philpott Reservoir at Philpott Dam registers a minor decrease in water surface elevation, posing less immediate concern but still highlighting the need for vigilant water management practices. South Carolina's Lake Moultrie near Pinopolis aligns with its average gage height, suggesting a balanced water situation. Meanwhile, Georgia's Lake Lanier near Buford shows a lower-than-average reservoir water surface elevation, warranting attention for potential water usage implications.

Drought conditions are particularly noticeable in the arid Southwest, where Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona, two of the nation's largest reservoirs, face significantly reduced storage levels, mirroring the broader challenges in the Colorado River Basin. Conversely, California showcases a mixed hydrological state, with some reservoirs like Lake San Antonio exceeding historical averages, while others, like the critical Oroville Dam, remain below average, underscoring the complex interplay of regional water supply and demand.

These disparate snapshots of reservoir and dam conditions across various states underscore the critical importance of tailored water management strategies that account for regional disparities in hydrological data. As experts and policymakers balance conservation with the needs of agriculture, industry, and growing populations, the status of these reservoirs serves as a clarion call for the judicious use and protection of our invaluable water resources.

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.