REPORT RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

The United States' vast network of dams and reservoirs plays a critical role in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation. However, the health of these water bodies varies significantly across the country, with some experiencing surpluses and others facing drought conditions that are concerning for water resource managers and local communities.

In New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee at Weirs Beach is below its average gage height, indicating lower water levels that could affect local water supply and recreation. Conversely, in California, Lake San Antonio's storage levels have significantly exceeded average figures, suggesting an abundance that may alleviate some water scarcity concerns in the area. However, it's not all positive in California, as storage levels in Castaic Lake are below average, hinting at potential water management challenges. Over in Colorado, Dillon Reservoir and Granby Reservoir are experiencing lower-than-average storage levels, a situation mirrored by the Utah-based Willard Bay Reservoir, which could have implications for agricultural and urban water use. Meanwhile, Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico is facing severely reduced storage, reflecting a long-term drought that continues to grip the Southwest. Notably, Lake Powell, straddling the Arizona-Utah border, is at alarmingly low storage levels given its critical importance in the Colorado River basin. These conditions reflect broader climatic patterns, including snowpack levels and river flows, and underscore the importance of sustainable water management strategies in the face of climate variability and change.