NEW-YORK RESERVOIR REPORT
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
New York's major dams and reservoirs currently exhibit a mix of near-average and below-average water surface elevation levels, with discrepancies that could signal potential water management challenges. Indian Lake, near Indian Lake, NY, is maintaining a near-constant water surface elevation at 1645 feet, just marginally below its average of 1645.01 feet. Similarly, First Lake at Old Forge, NY, shows a slight increase above its average, with a current elevation of 1706 feet against the usual 1705.6 feet. However, Owasco Lake near Auburn, NY, is exhibiting lower water levels, with a current elevation of 709 feet, significantly below its average of 711.22 feet. Onondaga Lake at Liverpool, NY, and Lake George at Rogers Rock, NY, are also slightly below their average levels. Stillwater Reservoir, near Beaver River, NY, shows a more notable deviation, with its surface elevation dropping to 1666 feet from an average of 1671.9 feet. In contrast, the dataset has an erroneous reading for Skaneateles Lake at Skaneateles, NY, which requires further validation due to a reported temperature metric instead of elevation.
The observed deviations in reservoir levels might be related to the broader climatic anomalies and water supply issues highlighted in recent reports, which suggest an urgent need for increased snow accumulation to bolster future water supplies, as stated by New York Post. The situation is compounded by what The Cool Down describes as unprecedented environmental phenomena across the United States, bringing regions closer to critical thresholds. These conditions suggest a relationship between the abnormal water levels in New York's reservoirs and broader hydrological and meteorological factors, such as reduced snowpack and fluctuating river flows, which are critical for reservoir replenishment. As such, these irregularities in the reservoir data could be early indicators of potential water resource stresses that may necessitate careful monitoring and management in the upcoming seasons.
New York State has several major reservoirs and dams, including the Ashokan Reservoir, the Cannonsville Reservoir, and the Pepacton Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by several streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Esopus Creek, the West Branch Delaware River, and the Beaver Kill. The hydrology in the area is affected by the snowpack and mountains, which can significantly impact streamflow and water levels in the reservoirs. Record levels have been observed in some reservoirs in the past, but drought conditions have also been a concern, particularly during the summer months. Seasonal trends often show lower water levels in the fall and winter, with increased flows during the spring snowmelt and summer rainfall. Overall, these reservoirs play a vital role in providing clean drinking water to millions of New Yorkers while also providing opportunities for recreation and tourism.
New York State has several major reservoirs and dams, including the Ashokan Reservoir, the Cannonsville Reservoir, and the Pepacton Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by several streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Esopus Creek, the West Branch Delaware River, and the Beaver Kill. The hydrology in the area is affected by the snowpack and mountains, which can significantly impact streamflow and water levels in the reservoirs. Record levels have been observed in some reservoirs in the past, but drought conditions have also been a concern, particularly during the summer months. Seasonal trends often show lower water levels in the fall and winter, with increased flows during the spring snowmelt and summer rainfall. Overall, these reservoirs play a vital role in providing clean drinking water to millions of New Yorkers while also providing opportunities for recreation and tourism.