NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Nevada's reservoirs and dams are experiencing a mix of conditions as recent data indicates some fluctuations in water levels compared to historical averages. Topaz Lake, for instance, is slightly above its average with a current elevation of 91 feet compared to an average of 87.77 feet. Similarly, Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon is marginally higher at 4152 feet than its average of 4151.93 feet. In stark contrast, Marlette Lake near Carson City is at a concerning low, with its water surface elevation recorded at 15 feet, a significant drop from its average of 36.12 feet. Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek is slightly up, with a current level of 6194 feet against an average of 6191.94 feet. However, the most alarming situation is at Lake Mead, which is drastically below its average storage level of 17,990,490.75 acre-feet, currently holding only 8,543,364 acre-feet of water. These abnormal conditions in some cases can be attributed to various factors including snowpack levels, river flows, and broader climate trends.

The data corroborates with multiple sources highlighting the broader context in which these observations are made. Reports from the Nevada Current and The Associated Press emphasize ongoing challenges in negotiating water usage amidst shortages along the Colorado River, which feeds into Lake Mead. Politico Pro and Weather West point to California's snow droughts and atmospheric conditions affecting precipitation and snowpack—a vital source for reservoir replenishment. Furthermore, the updated water level at Lake Mead, despite recent rains as mentioned by Newsweek, signals a water shortage crisis. The circumstances suggest that abnormal reservoir conditions may be tied to a combination of reduced snowpack and river inflows, compounded by broader issues like climate change-induced aridification. As the data stands at the end of December 2025, certain Nevada reservoirs, particularly Lake Mead and Marlette Lake, demonstrate troubling deviations from expected levels, necessitating close monitoring and potentially proactive water management strategies to mitigate the impact of these anomalies.

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.