NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Nevada's dams and reservoirs are currently exhibiting a mix of conditions, with some reservoirs reporting above-average water levels while others are below expected ranges. For example, Topaz Lake near Topaz has a water surface elevation of 94 feet, which is above its average of 87.78 feet, indicating a healthy water level for this time of year. Conversely, Marlette Lake near Carson City is showing an elevation significantly below its average (16 feet compared to an average of 36.07 feet), suggesting potential water scarcity issues. The largest reservoir by storage, Lake Mead, is at a critically low level with only 8,630,702 acre-feet of water stored, drastically less than its average of 17,985,840 acre-feet. This condition can be attributed to the prolonged drought conditions affecting the Colorado River Basin, despite recent precipitation in the region. Comparatively, reservoirs like Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek are slightly above their average levels, showing an elevation of 6,195 feet against an average of 6,191.94 feet.

The abnormal conditions observed at Lake Mead are particularly concerning as they reflect the ongoing drought and reduced inflows from the Colorado River. Recent storms in Northern California have provided some relief to the state's water supply, yet the impact on Nevada's reservoirs like Lake Mead has been minimal. While the snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada are fair, which can eventually feed into Nevada's water systems, the runoff into Lake Mead from the Colorado River remains insufficient to offset the chronic deficits. Additionally, the recent storms and increased water levels in some Northern California reservoirs do not directly alleviate the conditions in Nevada's reservoirs due to geographic and hydrological separations. Ongoing discussions about long-term solutions, such as desalination projects to import water from the Pacific to Nevada, reflect the severity of the water scarcity issues faced by the state. Meanwhile, monitoring continues to determine if the recent precipitation will have a more delayed positive effect on Nevada's reservoir levels or if further measures will be needed to address the water shortage, especially in the face of an unpredictable climate.

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.