OKLAHOMA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 31, 2025

Nationally, the United States' dams and reservoirs are experiencing a mixture of conditions, with some reservoirs holding surpluses of water while others are in the throes of drought. For instance, the iconic Lake Powell in Arizona is at a historically low storage level of around 6,480,517 acre-feet, a stark contrast to its average of over 14 million acre-feet. Similarly, Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico has seen its storage shrink to a mere 166,075 acre-feet from an average of over 829,000. In contrast, Lake Almanor in California is experiencing a surplus with storage levels reaching 1,094,528 acre-feet compared to an average of 895,289. These variations in water levels can be attributed to factors such as precipitation patterns, water consumption rates, and broader climate conditions, reflecting the intricate balance between natural hydrological processes and human management.

Diving deeper, states like California are witnessing a mix of high and low storage levels in their water systems. For example, San Luis Reservoir, a critical part of California's water supply, holds less water than usual with 968,306 acre-feet compared to its average of over 1.1 million. Conversely, Lake San Antonio has exceeded expectations with a storage of 270,863 acre-feet against an average of around 132,675. These anomalies in water storage levels underscore the challenges facing water managers and hydrologists as they navigate the impacts of climate variability and strive for sustainable water resource management. It's crucial to monitor these changes closely to manage water supplies effectively, ensure the reliability of water for consumption, agriculture, and industry, and to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events on the nation's water infrastructure.

Oklahoma has numerous reservoirs and dams, with the largest being Lake Texoma on the Red River. Other major reservoirs include Lake Eufaula, Lake Tenkiller, and Keystone Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, with many of them originating in the surrounding mountains of the Ozarks and Ouachitas. Snowpack is not a significant contributor to the water supply in Oklahoma, as the state typically receives little snowfall. Drought conditions are common in Oklahoma, with some reservoirs experiencing record low levels during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show varying levels of precipitation and streamflow throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring in the spring and early summer. Overall, the hydrology of Oklahoma is heavily influenced by precipitation patterns and the unique geology of the region, with reservoirs and dams serving as crucial components of water management and conservation efforts.

Oklahoma has numerous reservoirs and dams, with the largest being Lake Texoma on the Red River. Other major reservoirs include Lake Eufaula, Lake Tenkiller, and Keystone Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, with many of them originating in the surrounding mountains of the Ozarks and Ouachitas. Snowpack is not a significant contributor to the water supply in Oklahoma, as the state typically receives little snowfall. Drought conditions are common in Oklahoma, with some reservoirs experiencing record low levels during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show varying levels of precipitation and streamflow throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring in the spring and early summer. Overall, the hydrology of Oklahoma is heavily influenced by precipitation patterns and the unique geology of the region, with reservoirs and dams serving as crucial components of water management and conservation efforts.