CA00417-IRON-CANYON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

The latest observations of the nation's dams and reservoirs reveal both areas of surplus storage and significant deficits, indicative of diverse hydrological conditions across the country. For the layperson, this means that while some regions are experiencing higher-than-average water levels in their water reserves, others are grappling with concerning drops, potentially impacting water supply and management strategies.

In particular, Lake Powell in Arizona exhibits a stark reduction in storage, registering at just over 6 million acre-feet against an average of nearly 15 million, underscoring the harsh realities of prolonged drought conditions in the Southwest. Similarly, Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico shows a significant decrease in water storage, holding only about 211,000 acre-feet compared to an average of over 828,000. This trend is echoed in California's Lake Mead, whose storage has plummeted to approximately 8.8 million acre-feet from an average of nearly 18 million. Conversely, Trinity Lake in California reports a positive anomaly, with storage levels rising to over 2 million acre-feet from a typical 1.5 million, reflecting above-average precipitation and snowpack conditions. Furthermore, Colorado's reservoirs, including Vega and Williams Fork, have seen their storage dip below average, indicating potential water supply challenges in the upcoming seasons. As water management researchers and hydrologists delve into these observations, the data underscores the need for adaptive strategies to cope with the variability and challenges of water resource management in a changing climate.