LOUISIANA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 6, 2026

In a sweeping assessment of the nation's dams and reservoirs, it's evident that water storage levels are presenting a mixed picture, reflecting the diverse climatic and geographic conditions across the country. Several reservoirs, such as Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, are reporting below-average water levels, hinting at potential water management challenges ahead. Conversely, in places like Pennsylvania, General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir and Prompton Reservoir are maintaining levels close to their averages, suggesting stability in their water supply.

A closer look at the data reveals particular areas of concern and resilience. For instance, reservoirs such as Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell at the Arizona border are experiencing significantly reduced storage, a clear indicator of the enduring drought in the southwestern United States. This situation is pressing, considering these reservoirs' key role in supplying water to millions of people in the region. On the other hand, California's Lake Berryessa and New Bullards Bar are among those seeing surpluses, which could be attributed to recent heavy rainfalls and snowpack melt, showcasing the variability of water resources. The increasing scarcity in some areas and the abundance in others call for a nuanced understanding of resource management that is responsive to the evolving patterns of climate and consumption.

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.