ARKANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

The latest observations of the nation's dams and reservoirs present a mixed picture of water storage levels, with some areas experiencing surpluses due to recent inflows, while others face drought conditions with below-average water levels. Notably, major reservoirs such as Lake Powell in Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada reveal a concerning trend, with storage levels falling significantly short of their historical averages, reflecting extended periods of drought and increased water demand in the Southwest. Conversely, California's Lake San Antonio has seen a surge in water levels, exceeding its average and demonstrating the variability of water supplies across different regions.

For water management researchers and hydrologists, the data underscores the importance of monitoring and adaptive management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate variability and human impact on water resources. Reservoirs like Lake Powell, currently at only 44% of average storage, and Lake Mead with less than half its average, are stark reminders of the long-term water scarcity issues facing the Colorado River Basin. Meanwhile, reservoirs such as California's Lake San Antonio, which now holds over twice its average storage, showcase the benefits of effective catchment during periods of heavy precipitation. The contrasting conditions highlight the need for dynamic management approaches that consider both the immediate and future water needs, in addition to the environmental and economic impacts of fluctuating water levels.

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.