NEW-MEXICO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 21, 2026

As of the latest observations dated February 21, 2026, New Mexico's dams and reservoirs are showing varied water storage levels when compared to their historical averages. Notably, the Ute Reservoir near Logan has a current water surface elevation of 3786 feet above NAVD 1988, which is slightly above its average of 3780.56 feet, indicating a marginal increase in water levels. Conversely, the Costilla Reservoir near Costilla is experiencing a significant drop, with current gage height at 60 feet compared to the average of 74.17 feet. Meanwhile, the Nambe Falls Reservoir near Nambe is slightly above average, with a water surface elevation of 6824 feet against an average of 6819.78 feet. Bluewater Lake near Bluewater is almost at its average level, with the current elevation at 7368 feet, a negligible drop from its average of 7369.3 feet.

The variations in these reservoir levels might be attributed to a range of hydrological factors such as local snowpack conditions and river flows. While the data does not directly correlate the current reservoir levels with these factors, regional climate trends, such as those experienced by drought-stricken areas like Florida, could potentially impact New Mexico's water conditions. The state's legislative focus on building a thriving community, as noted in the recent 30-day session, underscores the importance of monitoring and managing water resources to support health care, education, and overall wellbeing. The lowered water level in the Costilla Reservoir is particularly concerning and may reflect abnormal conditions that require further investigation to determine causality and appropriate response measures.

New Mexico has several major reservoirs and dams, including Elephant Butte, Navajo, and Conchas. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks that originate in the surrounding mountains, including the Rio Grande, San Juan, and Pecos Rivers. Snowpack in these mountains plays a crucial role in providing water to the reservoirs, with the winter months typically being the most important for snow accumulation. Record low levels in several reservoirs have been observed in recent years due to prolonged drought conditions in the state, leading to water shortages for agriculture and urban areas. Seasonal trends also play a significant role in reservoir levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and summer months due to snowmelt and increased precipitation. Overall, water management and conservation are critical in New Mexico, and efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and increase storage capacity to better manage the state's water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

New Mexico has several major reservoirs and dams, including Elephant Butte, Navajo, and Conchas. These reservoirs are fed by streams, rivers, and creeks that originate in the surrounding mountains, including the Rio Grande, San Juan, and Pecos Rivers. Snowpack in these mountains plays a crucial role in providing water to the reservoirs, with the winter months typically being the most important for snow accumulation.

Record low levels in several reservoirs have been observed in recent years due to prolonged drought conditions in the state, leading to water shortages for agriculture and urban areas. Seasonal trends also play a significant role in reservoir levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and summer months due to snowmelt and increased precipitation.

Overall, water management and conservation are critical in New Mexico, and efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and increase storage capacity to better manage the state's water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.