OREGON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Recent data observations from Oregon's reservoirs and dams reveal a mix of average and below-average water surface elevations, which could indicate abnormal conditions in some areas. Upper Klamath Lake, near Klamath Falls, is currently at 4140 feet, just slightly below the average elevation of 4140.47 feet. Similarly, Bull Run Lake near Brightwood is at 3171 feet, almost on par with its average of 3171.18 feet. However, concerns arise with reservoirs like Hills Creek Lake near Oakridge and Lookout Point Lake near Lowell, which are significantly below their average levels, at 1451 feet and 827 feet compared to their respective averages of 1485.36 feet and 859.2 feet. This trend of lower-than-average levels continues with Fall Creek Lake, Cottage Grove Lake, Dorena Lake, Fern Ridge Lake, Detroit Lake, Green Peter Lake, Foster Lake, and Applegate Lake, all reporting elevations below their historical averages. These deviations could be due to a range of factors, including variations in snowpack levels, river flows, and possibly recent extreme weather events such as wildfires or floods, which have been prevalent according to regional news sources.

The abnormal conditions observed at several major dams in Oregon are concerning. Notably, Hills Creek Lake and Lookout Point Lake are experiencing substantial reductions in water surface elevation, which may impact water supply and ecosystem health. With the last observed data pointing to a downtrend in reservoir levels, the state may need to consider the implications for water management and conservation efforts. The referenced news sources hint at significant environmental events that have shaped Central Oregon in the recent past, including extreme weather patterns. The combination of lower snowpacks, potentially altered river flows, and the aftermath of weather-related disturbances could be contributing to the abnormal water levels in these reservoirs. Given these conditions, stakeholders and residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and may need to prepare for potential water-related challenges ahead.

Oregon has over 1,200 reservoirs and dams, with the largest being the Owyhee Reservoir, which can hold up to 1.1 million acre-feet of water. Other major reservoirs include the Detroit Reservoir, Wickiup Reservoir, and Crane Prairie Reservoir. The sources of water for these reservoirs include the Columbia River, Snake River, Deschutes River, and their tributaries. The snowpack in the mountains is a crucial factor in filling these reservoirs, with the Cascades and Blue Mountains being the primary sources. Record levels for reservoirs and dams vary depending on location, but generally occur during periods of heavy precipitation or snowmelt. Drought conditions are also a concern, as low snowpack and reduced streamflow can impact water availability for irrigation and recreation. Seasonal trends in precipitation and snowpack influence water levels in reservoirs, with lower levels typically seen in late summer and early fall. Overall, the hydrology in Oregon is heavily influenced by the state's topography, with water sources being mainly mountain-fed and dependent on snowpack accumulation.

Oregon has over 1,200 reservoirs and dams, with the largest being the Owyhee Reservoir, which can hold up to 1.1 million acre-feet of water. Other major reservoirs include the Detroit Reservoir, Wickiup Reservoir, and Crane Prairie Reservoir. The sources of water for these reservoirs include the Columbia River, Snake River, Deschutes River, and their tributaries. The snowpack in the mountains is a crucial factor in filling these reservoirs, with the Cascades and Blue Mountains being the primary sources.

Record levels for reservoirs and dams vary depending on location, but generally occur during periods of heavy precipitation or snowmelt. Drought conditions are also a concern, as low snowpack and reduced streamflow can impact water availability for irrigation and recreation. Seasonal trends in precipitation and snowpack influence water levels in reservoirs, with lower levels typically seen in late summer and early fall. Overall, the hydrology in Oregon is heavily influenced by the state's topography, with water sources being mainly mountain-fed and dependent on snowpack accumulation.