OREGON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

The latest reservoir data from Oregon indicates several major dams and reservoirs are experiencing lower-than-average water levels for this time of year. Upper Klamath Lake, typically at an average elevation of 4140.47 feet, currently stands at 4139 feet. Similarly, Bull Run Lake near Brightwood and Hills Creek Lake near Oakridge are both below their average elevations of 3171.18 feet and 1485.47 feet, sitting at 3168 feet and 1442 feet respectively. More concerning are Lookout Point Lake near Lowell and Detroit Lake near Detroit, which show significant deviations from their averages with current levels at 750 feet and 1468 feet against their 859.38 feet and 1512.36 feet averages. This scenario reflects findings from multiple data sources citing a "snow drought" across the West and the Pacific Northwest experiencing the warmest fall on record.

The abnormal reservoir conditions can be attributed to a combination of factors, including warmer temperatures leading to lower snowpack levels, according to reports from the Oregon Capital Chronicle and the Missoula Current. The impact of these warmer temperatures is also corroborated by an emergency declaration due to flooding, as ski areas in Oregon and Washington shut down, and imminent flood risks with expected heavy rainfall, as stated by Ski Area Management and chicagomusicguide.com. This juxtaposition of drought-like conditions against risks of flooding highlights the climate-related challenges facing Oregon's water management systems. Moreover, concerns about the sustainability of water resources are intensified by discussions around Big Tech's water usage in the region, emphasizing the need for a balanced and informed approach to reservoir management, as pointed out by The Seattle Medium. Overall, the data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive management of Oregon's dams and reservoirs in the face of changing climatic patterns.

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.