CO00736-DINGWALL-DITCH-REG RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 23, 2026

In the current assessment of the nation's dams and reservoirs, we observe a diversity of storage levels that highlight the varied hydrological conditions across the country. With the latest observations in hand, several key trends have emerged. Notably, significant surpluses are present in California's reservoirs like Lake Almanor and Don Pedro Reservoir, where storage levels have surpassed historical averages, likely due to robust winter precipitation and runoff. Conversely, Lake Powell in Arizona and Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico are experiencing alarmingly low water levels, reflecting prolonged drought conditions that have beleaguered the Southwest. These storage deviations can have far-reaching implications for water supply, ecological health, and flood control.

Zooming into the specifics, reservoirs such as San Luis Reservoir in California are seeing an uptick in storage, possibly benefiting from the state's complex water management strategies and recent wet weather patterns. On the other end of the spectrum, Colorado's Granby Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir have lower than average storage levels, signaling potential water allocation challenges if the trend persists. These anomalies in reservoir conditions are intrinsically linked to factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, climate variability, and water consumption patterns. Hydrologists and water managers monitor these indicators closely to strategize responses to ensure water security and environmental stewardship, balancing the needs of urban centers, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.