SNOFLO

       
       

CALIFORNIA RESERVOIR LEVELS

March 29 2025
       

California's dam and reservoir system is experiencing a mix of conditions as we approach the end of the wet season. As of the latest observations, the state's snowpack sits at 90% of the average, which plays a crucial role in replenishing the water supply. Snowpack levels are significant because they typically melt into rivers and reservoirs, contributing to the state's water reserves. However, the current levels, while nearly average, have varied impacts on local reservoirs. Some areas have seen storage levels that exceed historical averages, indicating a promising outlook for water supply in those regions. On the other hand, certain reservoirs are experiencing lower than average levels, raising concerns about water availability in the drier months ahead.

For instance, major reservoirs like Lake Oroville, which is one of the state's largest, are not included in the provided dataset but have been closely monitored due to their importance in water management. According to the California Department of Water Resources, as of March 28, 2025, other key reservoirs like Shasta Dam have storage levels that are significantly higher than historical averages, with a reported increase in capacity to 3,819,326 acre-feet compared to an average of 2,916,011.98 acre-feet. On the flip side, reservoirs such as San Luis Reservoir show a decrease in storage levels, reporting 968,306 acre-feet compared to an average of 1,152,390.63 acre-feet, potentially affecting the water supply for agricultural and urban areas. These abnormal conditions might be related to factors such as uneven snowpack distribution, climate variability, and recent weather patterns that include multiple winter storms. As California navigates through these mixed signals, water management authorities are likely to keep a close watch on the snowpack melt and river flows in the upcoming season to assess the impact on water resources and implement appropriate conservation measures.

Reservoirs & Dams