MISSISSIPPI 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.

Mississippi has several major reservoirs, including Grenada, Ross Barnett, and Arkabutla. These reservoirs are fed by the Yalobusha, Pearl, and Coldwater rivers, respectively. Snowpack and mountains are not relevant in this area, as Mississippi is a relatively flat state. The hydrology in the area is heavily influenced by rainfall, with seasonal trends of higher flows in the spring and lower flows in the summer. Record levels of flooding have occurred in the past, notably in 1979 when the Mississippi River flooded and caused significant damage. However, drought conditions have also been an issue in recent years, with some reservoirs experiencing low levels of water. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in managing water resources in Mississippi, providing water for irrigation, drinking water, and recreation.

Mississippi has several major reservoirs, including Grenada, Ross Barnett, and Arkabutla. These reservoirs are fed by the Yalobusha, Pearl, and Coldwater rivers, respectively. Snowpack and mountains are not relevant in this area, as Mississippi is a relatively flat state. The hydrology in the area is heavily influenced by rainfall, with seasonal trends of higher flows in the spring and lower flows in the summer. Record levels of flooding have occurred in the past, notably in 1979 when the Mississippi River flooded and caused significant damage. However, drought conditions have also been an issue in recent years, with some reservoirs experiencing low levels of water. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in managing water resources in Mississippi, providing water for irrigation, drinking water, and recreation.