NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Nevada's reservoirs and dams are experiencing a mix of conditions, with some storage levels above average and others notably below as of the last observation on December 19, 2025. Topaz Lake near Topaz is slightly above its average with a current elevation of 90 feet, compared to the average of 87.76 feet. Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon also shows a minor increase with a level of 4152 feet against an average of 4151.93 feet. Conversely, Weber Reservoir near Schurz is just below its average at 4201 feet, compared to 4202.74 feet. Notably, Marlette Lake near Carson City is at a significantly lower level of 15 feet, well below its average of 36.13 feet. Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek is slightly above average with a level of 6194 feet, compared to 6191.93 feet. Lake Mead, a crucial water source managed by the Colorado River Compact, is at a critical storage level of 8,516,647 acre-feet, a stark contrast to its average of 17,991,368.08 acre-feet.

These conditions may be influenced by several factors, including the ongoing negotiations among Colorado River water users that have yet to result in a long-term agreement. The absence of consensus among the states that rely on the river suggests a lack of unified efforts to address the water scarcity issue, exacerbated by climate change and prolonged drought conditions. Additionally, an atmospheric river event forecasted during Christmas week may have contributed to some of the irregularities in reservoir levels. The abnormal low level at Marlette Lake might be attributed to specific local factors such as lower snowpack levels or increased water demand. Lake Mead's severe depletion is particularly worrying and reflects broader concerns about water availability for millions of Americans and vast agricultural lands. As federal pressure mounts for a comprehensive deal on the Colorado River, the situation underscores the need for urgent and collaborative water management strategies to safeguard future water security amidst changing climatic 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.

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.