CA01186-NEVADA-CITY-RAW-WATER-RESERVOIR RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

In the vast network of the nation's dams and reservoirs, the latest observations reveal a diverse range of water storage levels, with some basins experiencing surpluses and others grappling with significant deficits. Notably, the Lake Powell Reservoir in Arizona is a point of concern; its storage has plummeted to 6,187,539 acre-ft, a stark contrast to its average of 14,675,911.48 acre-ft, highlighting the distressing reality of prolonged drought conditions in the region. Conversely, in California, Lake Almanor's storage level has surged to 1,094,528 acre-ft from its average of 895,289.67 acre-ft, indicating a surplus that could be attributed to recent heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

The disparities in reservoir levels across the country are indicative of the localized impact of climate patterns, such as the snowpack conditions and river flows that feed these water bodies. For instance, the Colorado River Basin, which feeds Lake Powell, has been experiencing reduced snowpack, leading to lower inflows. Meanwhile, regions like Northern California have benefited from robust winter storms, bolstering reservoirs like Lake Almanor. Water managers and hydrologists are closely monitoring these variations, as they have significant implications for water supply, agricultural irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The data underscores the importance of adaptive water management strategies in the face of changing climate conditions, ensuring that resources are managed sustainably for the benefit and security of current and future generations.