NORTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. However, the state of these water bodies can vary significantly depending on regional conditions such as precipitation, snowmelt, and water consumption demands.

In recent observations, certain trends have become apparent, pointing to the impacts of varying climate patterns and usage. For instance, Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona, two of the country's largest reservoirs, have shown considerably reduced storage levels compared to their averages, with Lake Mead at approximately half its average storage. This alarming trend is indicative of the prolonged drought affecting the American Southwest, emphasizing the need for careful water management and conservation efforts.

Conversely, regions like California have seen some reservoirs like Shasta Dam and Lake Oroville rebounding with storage levels surpassing their averages, which can be attributed to increased precipitation in these areas. This surplus is a welcome change following previous years of drought concerns. Additionally, Lake Almanor in California has seen its storage levels rise significantly above average, offering some relief to the local ecosystems and water supply systems.

The fluctuations in reservoir and dam storage levels across different states underscore the importance of adaptive water management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate variability. While some areas grapple with excess water, others face scarcity, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure water security and sustainability for the future.

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.