TENNESSEE RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 14, 2026

The United States boasts a vast network of dams and reservoirs that play a critical role in water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The latest observations suggest a mixed picture across the country, with some reservoirs experiencing higher than average storage levels while others face deficits, confronting the challenges of fluctuating weather patterns and water demands.

For instance, reservoirs such as Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, Lake Nighthorse in Colorado, and Utah Lake in Utah are experiencing surpluses with storage levels exceeding their average measurements. This could be attributed to recent precipitation events or strategic water management practices. On the other hand, notable water bodies like Lake Powell in Arizona, Lake Mead in Nevada, and San Carlos Reservoir in Arizona are reporting significantly lower storage levels than average, which can be linked to prolonged drought conditions and overconsumption. These deficits raise concerns over water availability and the need for conservation measures. Some reservoirs, such as Elephant Butte in New Mexico and Blue Mesa Reservoir in Colorado, are demonstrating alarming storage drops, which may affect water allocations for agriculture, urban consumption, and ecological sustainability. Hydrologists and water managers are closely monitoring these conditions to strategize adaptive measures that will ensure water security in the face of climatic variability and increasing demands.

Tennessee has numerous reservoirs and dams, with major ones including the Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Norris Lake. These reservoirs are fed by rivers such as the Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and Clinch River, as well as various creeks and streams. Snowpack and mountain runoff can also contribute to the water supply. The general hydrology of the area is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico, with precipitation varying greatly throughout the year. Record high water levels have been observed in the past, and drought conditions can also occur, particularly during the summer months. Seasonal trends include higher water levels during the spring due to snowmelt and increased precipitation, while water levels typically decrease during the summer and fall months.

Tennessee has numerous reservoirs and dams, with major ones including the Kentucky Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and Norris Lake. These reservoirs are fed by rivers such as the Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and Clinch River, as well as various creeks and streams. Snowpack and mountain runoff can also contribute to the water supply. The general hydrology of the area is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico, with precipitation varying greatly throughout the year. Record high water levels have been observed in the past, and drought conditions can also occur, particularly during the summer months. Seasonal trends include higher water levels during the spring due to snowmelt and increased precipitation, while water levels typically decrease during the summer and fall months.