CALIFORNIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

California's reservoirs and dams are experiencing a mix of conditions as of the latest observations. While some areas are showing higher than average storage levels, others are registering lower. For instance, Lake San Antonio has seen a significant increase in storage, rising to 270,863 acre-feet from an average of 132,675.92 acre-feet, likely due to recent precipitation patterns. Conversely, Beardsley Lake is below its average, with current levels at 32,994 acre-feet against an average of 33,331.95 acre-feet, reflecting concerns over local water scarcity. These variations in water levels are crucial for water resource management, especially considering the state's complex water needs and recent weather extremes.

Recent reports indicate that California has seen a decrease in the percentage of the state categorized as abnormally dry, now at 3%, which suggests improved conditions compared to previous periods of drought. However, abnormal conditions in specific reservoirs may be tied to various factors such as localized rain events, snowpack conditions, and river flows. For example, the increased storage in Lake San Antonio could be related to intense rainfalls, as suggested by the reports of California's wet start to 2026. In contrast, the lower levels observed in Beardsley Lake may be impacted by deficits in snowfall as mentioned in the snowfall reports for the region. The state continues to navigate the challenges of balancing water supply and demand, amid changing climate patterns and environmental concerns.

California has over 1,400 reservoirs and dams, which provide water for agriculture, industry, and households. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Oroville, Shasta Lake, and San Luis Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks such as the Feather River, Sacramento River, and San Joaquin River. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a crucial source of water for these reservoirs, as it melts during the spring and summer and fills the streams and rivers that flow into the reservoirs. However, drought conditions have been a major concern in recent years, with record low levels in some reservoirs. Seasonal trends show that reservoirs are typically at their lowest levels in the fall and winter, and reach their highest levels in the spring and summer. Overall, California’s reservoirs and dams play a vital role in managing the state’s water resources and ensuring a reliable water supply for its residents.

California has over 1,400 reservoirs and dams, which provide water for agriculture, industry, and households. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Oroville, Shasta Lake, and San Luis Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks such as the Feather River, Sacramento River, and San Joaquin River. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a crucial source of water for these reservoirs, as it melts during the spring and summer and fills the streams and rivers that flow into the reservoirs. However, drought conditions have been a major concern in recent years, with record low levels in some reservoirs. Seasonal trends show that reservoirs are typically at their lowest levels in the fall and winter, and reach their highest levels in the spring and summer. Overall, California’s reservoirs and dams play a vital role in managing the state’s water resources and ensuring a reliable water supply for its residents.