NORTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

As the latest observations of the nation's dams and reservoirs come in, a comprehensive picture of our water storage infrastructure is beginning to emerge. On a broad scale, we're witnessing a mix of surpluses and deficits in reservoir levels, reflective of the diverse climatic and hydrological conditions across different regions. For instance, Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona, two of the country's largest reservoirs, are experiencing alarmingly low levels, with Lake Powell's storage dipping to less than half of its average. Conversely, Lake Almanor in California and Lake Sonoma are seeing above-average storage levels, which can be attributed to recent rainfall and strategic water management.

Diving deeper into the data, several reservoirs such as the Dillon and Granby in Colorado are hovering around their average storage values, indicating steady water supply in those areas. However, in places like New Mexico, significant discrepancies are present, with Heron Reservoir's storage at a fraction of its average, while Brantley Lake exceeds its typical levels. This variability stresses the importance of localized water management strategies and the need for adaptable policies to address both surpluses and shortages.

These contrasting conditions often relate back to the amount of precipitation, snowpack levels, and river flows that feed into these water bodies. In regions like the Pacific Northwest and parts of California, increased snowpack and precipitation have bolstered reservoir levels, providing a buffer against drought conditions. On the other hand, prolonged droughts in the Southwest have led to decreased river flows, resulting in lower reservoir storage levels.

As water management researchers and hydrologists comb through the data, the implications for agriculture, urban consumption, and ecological preservation are significant. Reservoir levels directly impact water availability for irrigation, drinking water supplies, and habitats for aquatic life. The current observations underscore the need for sustained monitoring and intelligent resource management to ensure water security in the face of ever-present climatic uncertainty.

North Carolina has over 30 major reservoirs and dams, which provide drinking water, recreation, and flood control. Some of the largest reservoirs include Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and High Rock Lake. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Catawba, Yadkin, and Neuse Rivers, as well as smaller creeks and tributaries. Snowpack in the mountains can also contribute to reservoir levels, particularly in the western part of the state. North Carolina experiences seasonal variations in precipitation, with the majority falling in the summer months. Drought conditions have been a concern in recent years, with many lakes and reservoirs reaching record low levels during extended dry periods. However, Hurricane Florence in 2018 caused widespread flooding and record high levels in some areas. Overall, North Carolina's hydrology is heavily influenced by its mountainous regions in the west and flat coastal plains in the east. The state is also home to a diverse range of aquatic habitats, including wetlands, swamps, and estuaries.

North Carolina has over 30 major reservoirs and dams, which provide drinking water, recreation, and flood control. Some of the largest reservoirs include Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and High Rock Lake. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Catawba, Yadkin, and Neuse Rivers, as well as smaller creeks and tributaries. Snowpack in the mountains can also contribute to reservoir levels, particularly in the western part of the state.

North Carolina experiences seasonal variations in precipitation, with the majority falling in the summer months. Drought conditions have been a concern in recent years, with many lakes and reservoirs reaching record low levels during extended dry periods. However, Hurricane Florence in 2018 caused widespread flooding and record high levels in some areas.

Overall, North Carolina's hydrology is heavily influenced by its mountainous regions in the west and flat coastal plains in the east. The state is also home to a diverse range of aquatic habitats, including wetlands, swamps, and estuaries.