NEW-YORK RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

In New York, a recent analysis of dam and reservoir data indicates that most water bodies are maintaining levels close to their historic averages for this time of year, with slight deviations. For instance, the Indian Lake near Indian Lake, NY, is currently at 1645 feet, marginally below its average of 1645.01 feet. Similarly, Owasco Lake near Auburn, NY, is at 710 feet, slightly under the average of 711.23 feet. On the contrary, First Lake at Old Forge, NY, is marginally above its average at 1706 feet compared to the expected 1705.6 feet. Other notable measurements include Onondaga Lake at Liverpool, NY, at 362 feet (average 363.08 feet), and Lake George at Rogers Rock, NY, at 319 feet (average 319.25 feet). The Stillwater Reservoir near Beaver River, NY, shows a more significant drop, resting at 1668 feet against the average of 1671.96 feet. There is no current data available for Skaneateles Lake's temperature, which suggests an abnormal condition or an error in reporting.

The observed discrepancies may be indicative of underlying environmental factors, although not extreme at this stage. According to regional weather sources, New York is not experiencing the same level of drought conditions affecting other parts of the United States, such as California, where drought statistics show a decline in moderate drought conditions. However, the slight reduction in water levels could be linked to lower-than-average snowpack or river flows, which could affect water supplies if the trend continues. Additionally, concerns over tap water quality, such as increased salinity, have been reported in the Hudson Valley area, which may reflect broader watershed management issues. While these conditions do not yet signal a crisis of the magnitude seen in international water shortages, such as Iran's current situation, they warrant monitoring. The New York government remains proactive in various infrastructure and environmental projects, including the initiation of a new Holocaust memorial, indicating an active approach to state-wide developments and concerns.

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.