NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Nevada's reservoirs are integral to the state's water management, but recent observations indicate variable conditions that could concern residents and policymakers. As of the last observed data on November 13, 2025, Topaz Lake near Topaz is slightly below its average elevation at 85 feet compared to the average of 87.76 feet, indicating a minor decrease in water levels. Similarly, Weber Reservoir near Schurz is marginally below its average at 4202 feet versus an average of 4202.74 feet. Conversely, Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon is slightly above its typical mark, with a current elevation of 4152 feet against an average of 4151.93 feet. A significant discrepancy is observed at Marlette Lake near Carson City, where the water surface elevation is drastically lower at 15 feet, well below the average of 36.24 feet. Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek shows higher levels than average, with a current elevation of 6195 feet compared to an average of 6191.92 feet. Lake Mead, a major water body fed by the Colorado River, is facing a severe depletion with a storage level of 8,215,928 acre-feet, drastically lower than the average of 18,002,129.72 acre-feet.

These abnormal conditions are symptomatic of broader issues, including the ongoing Colorado River crisis, which has deepened as the seven basin states failed to meet the deadline for a new water management plan. This failure has led to uncertainty and increased pressure from the federal government to devise a strategy amidst conflicting interests and calls for conservation. The deficiencies in Lake Mead's storage levels are particularly concerning, as they reflect the larger challenges faced by the Colorado River Basin, where upstream states have been criticized by Arizona's Governor for a lack of commitment to water conservation. The lower lake levels and inconsistent reservoir conditions across Nevada may be linked to various factors, such as reduced snowpacks, lower river flows, and broader climate variability. Such circumstances necessitate urgent collaborative efforts for sustainable water management to mitigate the impacts on Nevada's water supply and the states reliant on the Colorado River.

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.