IDAHO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Idaho's network of dams and reservoirs serves as a crucial component for water storage, flood control, and irrigation. However, recent observations indicate that some of these water bodies are exhibiting abnormal conditions potentially linked to fluctuating snowpack levels and river flows. For instance, Priest Lake, typically at a gage height of 1.95 feet, is currently recorded at 1 foot, which suggests lower water input than usual. Similarly, Coeur d'Alene Lake is slightly above its average gage height of 25.99 feet, sitting at 27 feet. This could be due to increased precipitation or snow melt in the watershed. However, the most concerning is the Salmon River Canal Co Reservoir near Rogerson, with a current gage height of 10 feet against its average of 23.75 feet, signaling significantly lower water levels that could impact water supply and irrigation if the trend continues.

Notably, other water storage facilities like Little Wood Reservoir near Carey are operating below their average storage capacity, with 13,380 acre-feet against the usual 17,024 acre-feet. This reduction could affect agricultural activities in the surrounding areas if the reservoir doesn't replenish as expected. On the contrary, some reservoirs like CJ Strike Reservoir near Grand View and Lucky Peak Lake near Boise are nearly at their average levels, indicating stable conditions. It is essential to compare these observations with historical data, weather patterns, and snowpack analyses to fully understand the reasons behind these anomalies. The current conditions of Idaho's reservoirs and dams are a mixed picture of stability and concern, with some bodies reflecting potential strain on local ecosystems and water management systems.

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.