The USA is home to many of the largest dams in the world, providing essential services such as water storage, hydropower generation, and flood control. Among them, Oroville Dam stands out as the tallest dam in the United States, located in northern California. Another famous dam is the Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. It is a major tourist attraction and an engineering marvel of the modern era, providing hydropower and water storage for millions of people.
Other notable dams in the USA include the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona, which is the second-highest concrete arch dam in the country, and the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, which is the largest electric power-producing facility in the USA. These dams are a critical component of the country's infrastructure, providing essential services for the economy, society, and the environment.
Reservoir
Storage Capacity (acre-ft)
Drought Levels
By water storage capacity
The number and distribution of dams and reservoirs in the USA have been significantly impacted by climate change. The changing climate has led to changes in precipitation patterns, increased evaporation rates, and more frequent and severe droughts and floods in certain regions. These factors have influenced the management and operations of dams and reservoirs across the country.