OREGON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

In Oregon, a notable discrepancy between average storage levels and current measurements across several major reservoirs has been observed. Upper Klamath Lake near Klamath Falls is the exception, with its current level of 4141 feet just slightly above its average of 4140.47 feet. However, other reservoirs such as Hills Creek Lake near Oakridge and Lookout Point Lake near Lowell are experiencing lower than average water elevations, with observed levels at 1449 and 824 feet compared to their respective averages of 1485.19 and 859.05 feet. Similarly, Detroit Lake near Detroit, and Foster Lake at Foster are also below their average, with current levels at 1454 and 617 feet compared to their norms of 1512 and 624.78 feet, respectively. These abnormalities in storage levels may be influenced by the region's current dry conditions, as reported by multiple sources, including a prolonged dry spell across the Pacific Northwest and a significant reduction in the Mount Hood snowpack.

The discrepancies in reservoir levels are concerning and seem to align with broader environmental patterns that have been recently reported. A sustained dry stretch in Northeast Oregon has led to a further decline in the snowpack as noted by wallowa.com, a condition echoed by opb.org which reports a mid-winter dry spell in the Pacific Northwest. This lack of precipitation not only affects snowpacks but also river flows and reservoir storage. The reduced snowpack on Mount Hood, a critical water source for many of Oregon's reservoirs, has been graphically represented by oregonlive.com, highlighting the severity of the situation. These conditions, compiled with tranquil weather patterns exacerbating drought conditions nationwide, as stated by weatherbug.com, could be contributing to the observed lower than average water levels in Oregon's dams and reservoirs. While the state is renowned for its scenic byways and outdoor recreational activities, as suggested by AOL.com, the current water level anomalies could impact ecological health and water availability for various uses. Furthermore, the state's energy infrastructure, such as the University of Oregon and EWEB's new gas turbine project, as discussed by kezi.com, may also experience implications due to these fluctuating water resources. Overall, the deviations from average water storage levels in Oregon's reservoirs appear to be tied to broader climatic trends of reduced precipitation and low snowpack, with potential impacts on local water supply and environmental well-being.

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.