SOUTH-CAROLINA RESERVOIR LEVELS

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Across the nation, the state of dams and reservoirs remains a subject of critical importance, closely monitored for signs of drought or surplus. While a detailed analysis reveals a complex mosaic of water levels, some overarching patterns are discernible. For instance, prominent reservoirs such as Lake Powell in Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada, known for their significant capacity and importance to the Southwestern United States, are showing alarmingly low storage levels. Lake Powell's storage has dropped to about 6.77 million acre-feet, a stark contrast from its average of nearly 14.7 million acre-feet, indicating significant water stress in the Colorado River Basin. This decline is symptomatic of prolonged drought conditions exacerbated by climate change, reduced snowpack, and increased water demand.

Conversely, in California, reservoirs like Shasta Dam and Lake Almanor are reporting storage levels above their historical averages, reflecting a more positive water balance. These surpluses could be due to recent weather patterns that brought more precipitation to the region. Similarly, in the state of Utah, Strawberry Reservoir exhibits an increase in storage, contrasting with the nearby Echo Reservoir's significant reduction. Such variability highlights the localized nature of hydrological conditions and the influence of specific weather events.

In the Northeast, New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee at Weirs Beach is below its average gage height, which could impact local water management and recreation. The Indian Lake near New York is closely aligned with its historical average, suggesting stability in that particular watershed.

A broad cross-reference with multiple data sources confirms these observations, adding reliability to the outlined conditions. For water management researchers and hydrologists, understanding these trends is crucial for long-term planning, conservation efforts, and addressing regional disparities in water availability. The diverse scenarios across the nation's dams and reservoirs serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in water resource management and the need for region-specific strategies to ensure sustainability and resilience against the backdrop of an ever-changing climate landscape.

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.