OKLAHOMA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: November 11, 2025

In a comprehensive analysis of the nation's dams and reservoirs, water storage levels exhibit a wide array of conditions, reflective of the diverse climates and water management strategies across the country. From the expansive Lake Powell on the Colorado River, grappling with historical lows at 3547 feet above NAVD 1988, to the robust Lake Almanor in California, thriving with a storage increase to 1,094,528 acre-feet, the disparities highlight the complex interplay between environmental factors and human usage.

Several key reservoirs are facing noteworthy changes. For instance, New Mexico's Elephant Butte Reservoir storage has plummeted to a mere 89,533 acre-feet, a fraction of its average, indicative of the protracted droughts affecting the Southwest. Conversely, Colorado's Granby Reservoir storage has surged to 438,701 acre-feet, surpassing its average, potentially due to increased upstream snowpack melt or management adjustments. Such fluctuations not only affect local ecosystems but also have far-reaching implications for agriculture, municipal water supplies, and hydroelectric power generation.

The data underscores the importance of adaptive water management strategies in the face of climate variability. As hydrologists and water management researchers scrutinize these figures, the narrative they form will be crucial in shaping future policies and infrastructure investments to ensure water security for all regions.

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.