NORTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem management. However, these critical resources are subject to the whims of weather, climate change, and human demand. The latest observations reveal a mixed picture, with some reservoirs experiencing surpluses due to above-average precipitation, while others face drought conditions, reflecting irregularities in snowpack melting and river flows.

For instance, Lake Powell in Arizona, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the country by maximum water capacity, is currently facing significantly low water levels with only about 44% of its average storage reported, a stark illustration of the prolonged drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Contrastingly, Lake San Antonio in California is experiencing a surplus, holding nearly double the average storage, likely due to recent heavy rains. Similarly, New Melones Reservoir in California has a storage level well above its average, which could be beneficial in addressing the state's water needs amidst variable climatic conditions. Strategic management of these water resources is more crucial than ever, as water management authorities strive to balance environmental sustainability with the demands of urban development, agriculture, and recreation. The data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive reservoir management in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

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.