NEBRASKA 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.

Nebraska has several reservoirs and dams that serve the purpose of storing water for various uses such as irrigation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, and Harlan County Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the North Platte River, the Niobrara River, and the Republican River. The hydrology of the area is primarily influenced by snowpack and mountain runoff from the Rocky Mountains. The state has experienced various drought conditions in recent years, which have affected the water levels in the reservoirs. In 2021, Lake McConaughy reached a record low level due to drought conditions. Seasonal trends show that the reservoirs typically experience higher water levels during the spring and early summer months due to snowmelt runoff. Overall, the reservoirs and dams in Nebraska play a crucial role in providing water for the state's agricultural industry and supporting its recreational activities.

Nebraska has several reservoirs and dams that serve the purpose of storing water for various uses such as irrigation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, and Harlan County Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the North Platte River, the Niobrara River, and the Republican River. The hydrology of the area is primarily influenced by snowpack and mountain runoff from the Rocky Mountains. The state has experienced various drought conditions in recent years, which have affected the water levels in the reservoirs. In 2021, Lake McConaughy reached a record low level due to drought conditions. Seasonal trends show that the reservoirs typically experience higher water levels during the spring and early summer months due to snowmelt runoff. Overall, the reservoirs and dams in Nebraska play a crucial role in providing water for the state's agricultural industry and supporting its recreational activities.