LOUISIANA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

The latest observations of the nation's dams and reservoirs present a mixed picture of water storage levels, with some areas experiencing surpluses due to recent inflows, while others face drought conditions with below-average water levels. Notably, major reservoirs such as Lake Powell in Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada reveal a concerning trend, with storage levels falling significantly short of their historical averages, reflecting extended periods of drought and increased water demand in the Southwest. Conversely, California's Lake San Antonio has seen a surge in water levels, exceeding its average and demonstrating the variability of water supplies across different regions.

For water management researchers and hydrologists, the data underscores the importance of monitoring and adaptive management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate variability and human impact on water resources. Reservoirs like Lake Powell, currently at only 44% of average storage, and Lake Mead with less than half its average, are stark reminders of the long-term water scarcity issues facing the Colorado River Basin. Meanwhile, reservoirs such as California's Lake San Antonio, which now holds over twice its average storage, showcase the benefits of effective catchment during periods of heavy precipitation. The contrasting conditions highlight the need for dynamic management approaches that consider both the immediate and future water needs, in addition to the environmental and economic impacts of fluctuating water levels.

Louisiana is home to several major reservoirs, including Toledo Bend Reservoir, Catahoula Lake, and Lake Pontchartrain. Toledo Bend Reservoir is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country and is fed by the Sabine River. Catahoula Lake is a natural lake that is fed by several creeks and streams, while Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary that is fed by several rivers, including the Mississippi River. Due to its low elevation and flat topography, Louisiana does not receive significant snowfall or have any relevant mountains that contribute to its reservoirs. However, the state experiences a humid subtropical climate, with abundant rainfall throughout the year. In recent years, Louisiana has experienced several record-breaking floods, particularly along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Drought conditions have also been an issue in certain parts of the state during the summer and fall months. Overall, the hydrology of Louisiana is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the various rivers and streams that flow through the state.

Louisiana is home to several major reservoirs, including Toledo Bend Reservoir, Catahoula Lake, and Lake Pontchartrain. Toledo Bend Reservoir is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country and is fed by the Sabine River. Catahoula Lake is a natural lake that is fed by several creeks and streams, while Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary that is fed by several rivers, including the Mississippi River.

Due to its low elevation and flat topography, Louisiana does not receive significant snowfall or have any relevant mountains that contribute to its reservoirs. However, the state experiences a humid subtropical climate, with abundant rainfall throughout the year.

In recent years, Louisiana has experienced several record-breaking floods, particularly along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Drought conditions have also been an issue in certain parts of the state during the summer and fall months. Overall, the hydrology of Louisiana is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the various rivers and streams that flow through the state.