FLORIDA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 22, 2026

In the latest observations of the nation's reservoirs and dams, water management researchers and hydrologists are closely monitoring the storage levels, which are crucial for water supply, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Notably, Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona, two of the largest reservoirs in the United States, are showing significant disparities from their average storage capacities. Lake Mead's storage is at 8,771,099 acre-feet, a steep decline from its average of 17,981,539.67 acre-feet, indicating a severe drought condition. Similarly, Lake Powell's storage capacity is at a concerning 6,262,815 acre-feet against an average of 14,678,502.39 acre-feet. These alarming conditions are reflective of the broader challenges faced in the western regions, closely tied to lower snowpack levels and reduced river flows.

Contrastingly, in California, Lake Almanor's storage has risen to 1,094,528 acre-feet from its average of 895,289.67 acre-feet, and Lake San Antonio shows a positive surge with current storage at 270,863 acre-feet compared to its average of 132,675.92 acre-feet. These surpluses indicate higher than normal precipitation in certain areas. Such variabilities in reservoir levels across different regions highlight the complex interplay of climate factors impacting water resources. This intricate balancing act of water levels underscores the necessity for adaptive water management strategies and the importance of continuous monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with these abnormal conditions.

Florida has a number of reservoirs and dams, but their importance for water storage is limited due to the state’s flat terrain and abundant rainfall. Major reservoirs include Lake Okeechobee, the Apalachicola River Basin, and the St. Johns River Basin. These reservoirs are primarily fed by rainfall, with snowpack and mountains being irrelevant in this area. The hydrology of Florida is heavily influenced by its subtropical climate, with wet summers and dry winters. Drought conditions are common, and record low levels have been observed in lakes and rivers during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show that water levels tend to be lowest in the dry season (November to April) and highest in the wet season (May to October). Overall, while reservoirs and dams play a limited role in water management in Florida, they are still important for flood control and maintaining water levels during dry periods.

Florida has a number of reservoirs and dams, but their importance for water storage is limited due to the state’s flat terrain and abundant rainfall. Major reservoirs include Lake Okeechobee, the Apalachicola River Basin, and the St. Johns River Basin. These reservoirs are primarily fed by rainfall, with snowpack and mountains being irrelevant in this area. The hydrology of Florida is heavily influenced by its subtropical climate, with wet summers and dry winters. Drought conditions are common, and record low levels have been observed in lakes and rivers during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show that water levels tend to be lowest in the dry season (November to April) and highest in the wet season (May to October). Overall, while reservoirs and dams play a limited role in water management in Florida, they are still important for flood control and maintaining water levels during dry periods.