INDIANA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem management. However, these critical resources are subject to the whims of weather, climate change, and human demand. The latest observations reveal a mixed picture, with some reservoirs experiencing surpluses due to above-average precipitation, while others face drought conditions, reflecting irregularities in snowpack melting and river flows.

For instance, Lake Powell in Arizona, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the country by maximum water capacity, is currently facing significantly low water levels with only about 44% of its average storage reported, a stark illustration of the prolonged drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Contrastingly, Lake San Antonio in California is experiencing a surplus, holding nearly double the average storage, likely due to recent heavy rains. Similarly, New Melones Reservoir in California has a storage level well above its average, which could be beneficial in addressing the state's water needs amidst variable climatic conditions. Strategic management of these water resources is more crucial than ever, as water management authorities strive to balance environmental sustainability with the demands of urban development, agriculture, and recreation. The data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive reservoir management in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Indiana has several major reservoirs and dams used for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Some of the notable reservoirs include the Brookville Lake, Cecil M. Harden Lake, Patoka Lake, and Monroe Lake. These reservoirs rely on streamflow from nearby rivers and creeks such as the White River and its tributaries, the Patoka River, and the Salt Creek. The state's terrain is relatively flat, and there are no significant mountains or snowpack that contribute to the hydrology of the area. Record levels and drought conditions are relatively rare in Indiana, although occasional droughts have affected some regions. The state typically experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and seasonal trends in precipitation can affect the water levels in reservoirs. Overall, Indiana's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing the state's water resources, providing essential water supply and recreational opportunities while mitigating flood risk.

Indiana has several major reservoirs and dams used for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Some of the notable reservoirs include the Brookville Lake, Cecil M. Harden Lake, Patoka Lake, and Monroe Lake. These reservoirs rely on streamflow from nearby rivers and creeks such as the White River and its tributaries, the Patoka River, and the Salt Creek. The state's terrain is relatively flat, and there are no significant mountains or snowpack that contribute to the hydrology of the area.

Record levels and drought conditions are relatively rare in Indiana, although occasional droughts have affected some regions. The state typically experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and seasonal trends in precipitation can affect the water levels in reservoirs. Overall, Indiana's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing the state's water resources, providing essential water supply and recreational opportunities while mitigating flood risk.