SOUTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 21, 2026

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The latest observations suggest that while some reservoirs are experiencing high storage levels, others are grappling with below-average water volumes, indicating localized surpluses and droughts.

For instance, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire is currently below its average gage height, sitting at 3 feet compared to the average of 3.77 feet. Similarly, the Wanaque Reservoir in New Jersey shows a notable deficit with current levels at 273 feet against an average of 293.25 feet. In contrast, the General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir in Pennsylvania is slightly above its average water surface elevation, suggesting an abundance in that region. Maurice R. at Union Lake Dam in New Jersey is experiencing significantly reduced streamflow, with a current flow of 192 ft³/s compared to the average of 296.72 ft³/s. In the West, Lake Powell, a critical water source spanning Arizona and Utah, is facing severe shortages with its storage plummeting to almost 40% of its average capacity. Similarly, California's Lake Mead, a barometer for the Southwest's water health, is also recording storage levels significantly below average.

These abnormal conditions can be attributed to a variety of factors, including fluctuating snowpack levels, river flows, and prolonged periods of dry weather affecting water inflow. The data underscores the importance of efficient water management strategies and the need for continued monitoring and adaptation to ensure water security amidst changing climatic conditions. As researchers and hydrologists seek to balance water needs with ecological conservation, these observations offer a snapshot of the ongoing challenges faced by the nation's reservoirs and dams.

South Carolina has numerous small and large reservoirs and dams that play an important role in providing water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, and the Jocassee Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Savannah River, Catawba River, Broad River, and Saluda River. The hydrology of South Carolina is influenced by its location in the southeastern United States and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The state receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with occasional drought conditions during the summer months. The mountains in the western part of the state contribute to snowpack, which can affect streamflow and reservoir levels during the spring and early summer. Record flooding has occurred in South Carolina in recent years, such as the 2015 floods that resulted in widespread damage and loss of life. In contrast, drought conditions have also been experienced, such as the severe drought in 2016 that led to water restrictions and low reservoir levels. Seasonal trends in streamflow and reservoir levels vary depending on rainfall patterns and other factors.

South Carolina has numerous small and large reservoirs and dams that play an important role in providing water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Murray, and the Jocassee Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Savannah River, Catawba River, Broad River, and Saluda River.

The hydrology of South Carolina is influenced by its location in the southeastern United States and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The state receives ample rainfall throughout the year, with occasional drought conditions during the summer months. The mountains in the western part of the state contribute to snowpack, which can affect streamflow and reservoir levels during the spring and early summer.

Record flooding has occurred in South Carolina in recent years, such as the 2015 floods that resulted in widespread damage and loss of life. In contrast, drought conditions have also been experienced, such as the severe drought in 2016 that led to water restrictions and low reservoir levels. Seasonal trends in streamflow and reservoir levels vary depending on rainfall patterns and other factors.