SNOFLO

       

CALIFORNIA RESERVOIR LEVELS

March 27 2025
       

       

California's dam and reservoir system is currently experiencing a mix of conditions, with some key storages above average and others below, reflecting the impact of climate change on weather patterns. Notably, Lake San Antonio has seen a significant uptick to 270,863 acre-feet, well above its average of 132,675.92 acre-feet, likely due to recent storm activities. Similarly, the New Melones Reservoir is at 1,983,900 acre-feet compared to its average of 1,443,401.24 acre-feet. On the other hand, drought conditions persist in some areas, with Bear Reservoir at a meager 2 acre-feet, starkly lower than its 23.23 acre-feet average. This variance hints at the broader effects of extreme weather events, from deluges to droughts, that are occurring with more frequency and intensity due to climate change.

The abnormal conditions in some reservoirs can partly be attributed to the state's snowpack, which recently reached 97% of normal levels - a key indicator of water availability. However, drought lingers in the desert Southwest, suggesting that while recent storms have provided a boost to some State Water Project deliveries, the relief may not be widespread. The situation is dynamic, with concerns that increased water storage in some reservoirs could be offset by ongoing challenges such as wildfires, which are exacerbated by dry conditions and place more strain on water resources for firefighting efforts. As California continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, investment in critical water infrastructure is being highlighted as essential for resilience, a sentiment echoed by water officials and environmental experts alike.

Reservoirs & Dams