NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Nevada's reservoirs and dams are currently showing mixed conditions in terms of water storage and surface elevation levels compared to historical averages. A notable reservoir, Topaz Lake near Topaz, is experiencing higher-than-average water surface levels at 97 feet above datum, exceeding its average of 87.8 feet. In contrast, Marlette Lake near Carson City is significantly below its average with a current surface elevation of 17 feet, dropping from its average of 36 feet. This disparity in reservoir conditions comes at a time when Nevada and neighboring states are facing a deadline to formulate a water management plan for the Colorado River, which is in crisis due to prolonged drought and overuse. Additionally, the region is experiencing a 'snow drought', where reduced snowpack is leading to lower river flows and reservoir inputs, potentially affecting future water availability.

Lake Mead, one of the largest reservoirs in the state, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, is showing critically low storage levels at approximately half of its average (8,806,768 acre-feet against the average of 17,979,553 acre-feet). This drop signals the impact of the 'snow drought' and the ongoing water crisis discussed in sources like lasvegasweekly.com and fox5vegas.com. While Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon and Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek are at or slightly above their average levels, the situation at Weber Reservoir near Schurz is stable but warrants caution with a slight dip below its average elevation. The data suggest that proactive measures may be needed to address the water supply sustainability, especially considering the effects of policies like Nevada's grass removal law and the broader climate patterns affecting the Colorado River basin. As discussions intensify around new water deals and management strategies, as reported by Axios and coloradosun.com, the situation at Nevada's reservoirs serves as a real-time indicator of the broader challenges facing water resources in the western United States.

Nevada's major reservoirs and dams include Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, and Hoover Dam. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the US and is fed by the Colorado River, while Lake Tahoe is fed by the Truckee River. Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a major source of water for these reservoirs. In recent years, drought conditions have led to record-low levels in Lake Mead, causing concerns about water shortages for the surrounding states. Seasonal trends include lower water levels in the fall and winter months, with spring snowmelt providing a boost in water supply. Overall, the hydrology in Nevada is heavily dependent on snowpack and the management of water resources is crucial to ensure sustainable use in the face of changing climate conditions.

Nevada's major reservoirs and dams include Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, and Hoover Dam. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the US and is fed by the Colorado River, while Lake Tahoe is fed by the Truckee River. Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a major source of water for these reservoirs. In recent years, drought conditions have led to record-low levels in Lake Mead, causing concerns about water shortages for the surrounding states. Seasonal trends include lower water levels in the fall and winter months, with spring snowmelt providing a boost in water supply. Overall, the hydrology in Nevada is heavily dependent on snowpack and the management of water resources is crucial to ensure sustainable use in the face of changing climate conditions.