OREGON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Oregon's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water storage and management, and the latest observations indicate a varied state of water levels across the state's major water bodies. Upper Klamath Lake, near Klamath Falls, is slightly below its average elevation for this time of year, registering at 4140 feet compared to the average of 4140.47 feet. Similarly, Bull Run Lake near Brightwood is just under its historical average, with current levels at 3171 feet against an average of 3171.18 feet. These minor discrepancies are not immediately alarming but warrant monitoring. In contrast, several reservoirs such as Hills Creek Lake, Lookout Point Lake, and Fall Creek Lake near Lowell, as well as Cottage Grove and Dorena Lakes near Cottage Grove, are showing more significant deviations from their averages, suggesting potential issues with water inputs, such as reduced snowpack or altered river flows affecting reservoir replenishment.

Notably, Hills Creek Lake is substantially below its average level, standing at 1456 feet in contrast to its average of 1485.39 feet, which could reflect decreased inflow or increased water usage demands. Similar patterns are observed at Lookout Point Lake and Fall Creek Lake, with levels at 822 and 728 feet respectively, both of which are well below their normal averages. This trend continues with Cottage Grove and Dorena Lakes, and Fern Ridge Lake near Elmira, which are also below their expected levels. In contrast, Detroit Lake near Detroit, Green Peter Lake near Foster, Foster Lake at Foster, and Applegate Lake near Copper are closer to their average levels, suggesting localized variations in water conditions. These abnormal conditions in certain reservoirs may be linked to factors such as lower than normal snowpack levels leading to reduced spring runoff, climate variability, or changes in regional water consumption patterns. It is essential to cross-reference this data with snowpack measurements and river flow records to provide a comprehensive understanding of the water supply situation in Oregon. The decrease in water levels at several key reservoirs may have implications for water supply management, ecological health, and downstream water availability as the state progresses through the remainder of the water year.

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.