OREGON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Oregon's network of dams and reservoirs plays a crucial role in the state's water management, providing resources for agriculture, electricity, and recreation. However, recent data reveals that several reservoirs are reporting water levels that deviate from their historical averages, which can impact the ecosystem and local water supplies. Upper Klamath Lake, near Klamath Falls, is currently at an elevation of 4139 feet, slightly below its average of 4140.47 feet, which could be consequential for local wildlife and water allocations. Hills Creek Lake, near Oakridge, is significantly lower, at 1460 feet compared to its 1485.42-foot average. Lookout Point Lake and Fall Creek Lake, both near Lowell, as well as Cottage Grove and Dorena Lakes, near Cottage Grove, are also experiencing lower than average levels. Conversely, Bull Run Lake, near Brightwood, is almost at its average level, indicating stability in that region.

The abnormalities in water levels observed at several reservoirs such as Lookout Point, Hills Creek, and Cottage Grove Lakes may be associated with factors like below-average snowpack or reduced river flows. The last observed data from December 2025 indicates these reservoirs are below their historical averages, which could pose challenges for water resource management and conservation efforts. In addition to local news sources that highlight environmental initiatives on the Oregon Central Coast, the observed conditions of the reservoirs align with broader climatic and hydrological trends. While some reservoirs like Bull Run Lake near Brightwood are stable, the lower levels in others suggest that water managers may need to adjust their strategies to account for these variances, ensuring the continued provision of essential water services and the health of Oregon's diverse ecosystems.

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.