NEVADA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

As of the latest observations from Nevada, the state's major dams and reservoirs are exhibiting a mixture of conditions, with some atypical water levels that may concern local populations and ecosystems. Topaz Lake near Topaz is slightly above its average elevation at 92 feet, indicating a healthy water supply. However, Weber Reservoir near Schurz has dipped slightly below its average at 4200 feet, which could warrant attention if the trend continues. Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon is stable, closely matching its historical average. Notably, Marlette Lake near Carson City shows a significant drop with water levels at only 16 feet, far below its average of 36.1 feet, indicating a potentially severe water deficit. Wild Horse Reservoir near Gold Creek is slightly above its average elevation, suggesting good water availability there. Lake Mead, a critical water source for the region, shows a dramatic decrease in storage at approximately 8,581,609 acre-feet, greatly below its average of 17,988,450.86 acre-feet, indicating a long-term concern for water supply in the area.

The abnormal conditions at Marlette Lake and Lake Mead might be attributed to factors such as reduced snowpack, lower river flows, or increased water demand. While the "Boil water advisory lifted for City of Las Vegas" article from AOL.com suggests an isolated incident without a direct link to regional water scarcity, the current levels in Lake Mead could lead to broader water management challenges in the future. The mention of the "True Cost of AI" from substack.com appears unrelated to water conditions but may point to the growing need for advanced analytics in predicting and managing water resources. As Nevada moves through the year, the conditions of its reservoirs, particularly those with abnormal levels like Marlette Lake and Lake Mead, should be carefully monitored to ensure sustainability and preparedness for potential water shortages.

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.