IDAHO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

In Idaho, the latest observations indicate that reservoir and dam conditions vary, with some exhibiting abnormal water levels for this time of year. For instance, Priest Lake at Outlet near Coolin has a current gage height of 0 feet, significantly below its average of 1.93 feet, suggesting possible issues with inflow or dam management. Conversely, Mackay Reservoir near Mackay shows a gage height of 50 feet, notably higher than its average of 43.64 feet, potentially due to increased precipitation or snowmelt in the area. Other key water bodies like Henrys Lake near Lake and Coeur d'Alene Lake at Coeur d'Alene are reporting levels close to their seasonal averages, indicating stable conditions there.

Significant deviations are seen in the water bodies such as Salmon River Canal Company Reservoir near Rogerson and Mud Lake near Terreton, where gage heights are markedly lower than their averages, at 14 feet and 1 foot respectively, compared to their usual 23.4 feet and 3.62 feet. This could be an indicator of lower inflow rates potentially linked to the region's record-warm winter, as reported by AOL.com, impacting snowpack and river flows. On the other hand, Little Wood Reservoir near Carey is also dealing with reduced storage levels, where the current storage is 13,380 acre-feet against an average of 17,024 acre-feet. These abnormal conditions might be related to a lack of precipitation as suggested by the climate reports from AOL.com and NonStop Local KHQ, which discuss the Eastern Washington and North Idaho regions experiencing varied weather patterns including mountain snow and atmospheric rivers that could affect water levels through increased snowfall or flooding. Additionally, the Great Salt Lake's anticipated historic lows could reflect broader regional hydrological stress, possibly influencing nearby water systems in Idaho. It is crucial to cross-reference these observations with further detailed hydrological data and weather forecasts to accurately assess the situation and anticipate future conditions for these critical water resources in Idaho.

Idaho has numerous reservoirs and dams that provide irrigation, hydropower, and recreational opportunities. Major reservoirs include Lucky Peak, Anderson Ranch, and American Falls. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Boise River, Snake River, and Portneuf River. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowfall in the surrounding mountains, particularly the Sawtooth and Rocky Mountains. Snowpack levels are closely monitored as they impact streamflow and reservoir levels. In recent years, drought conditions have led to lower snowpack levels and decreased reservoir levels. Record low levels have been seen in several reservoirs during drought years. Seasonal trends show higher reservoir levels during the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, with levels decreasing through the fall and winter. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a significant role in Idaho's water management and the state's economy.

Idaho has numerous reservoirs and dams that provide irrigation, hydropower, and recreational opportunities. Major reservoirs include Lucky Peak, Anderson Ranch, and American Falls. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Boise River, Snake River, and Portneuf River. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowfall in the surrounding mountains, particularly the Sawtooth and Rocky Mountains. Snowpack levels are closely monitored as they impact streamflow and reservoir levels. In recent years, drought conditions have led to lower snowpack levels and decreased reservoir levels. Record low levels have been seen in several reservoirs during drought years. Seasonal trends show higher reservoir levels during the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, with levels decreasing through the fall and winter. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a significant role in Idaho's water management and the state's economy.