MT02277-CLARIBELL-2 RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 8, 2026

In a broad assessment of the nation's dams and reservoirs, the latest observations reveal a mixed picture concerning water storage levels. Some reservoirs are experiencing surpluses, while others are facing drought conditions. Notably, major reservoirs such as Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona are well below their historical average storage, with Lake Mead at approximately half its capacity, reflecting ongoing water management challenges and the impacts of prolonged drought in the Western United States. Conversely, in California, reservoirs like Lake Almanor and Lake Berryessa are reporting storage levels above their averages, which may be attributed to effective water conservation measures and recent precipitation patterns.

On the other end, smaller reservoirs such as Vega Reservoir in Colorado and Big Sandy Reservoir in Wyoming are also experiencing lower-than-average storage, emphasizing a broader trend of water scarcity in certain regions. Reservoirs like Vallecito and Lemon in Colorado are showing storage levels above their averages, suggesting localized surpluses. These contrasting conditions underscore the variability of water resources across different geographic locations, which could be linked to factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, and regional climate variations. It is imperative for water management researchers and hydrologists to continue monitoring these trends, as they present both challenges and opportunities for water resource management, ecosystem sustainability, and the planning of future water infrastructure projects.