OKLAHOMA 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.

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.