TENNESSEE RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 31, 2025

Nationally, the United States' dams and reservoirs are experiencing a mixture of conditions, with some reservoirs holding surpluses of water while others are in the throes of drought. For instance, the iconic Lake Powell in Arizona is at a historically low storage level of around 6,480,517 acre-feet, a stark contrast to its average of over 14 million acre-feet. Similarly, Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico has seen its storage shrink to a mere 166,075 acre-feet from an average of over 829,000. In contrast, Lake Almanor in California is experiencing a surplus with storage levels reaching 1,094,528 acre-feet compared to an average of 895,289. These variations in water levels can be attributed to factors such as precipitation patterns, water consumption rates, and broader climate conditions, reflecting the intricate balance between natural hydrological processes and human management.

Diving deeper, states like California are witnessing a mix of high and low storage levels in their water systems. For example, San Luis Reservoir, a critical part of California's water supply, holds less water than usual with 968,306 acre-feet compared to its average of over 1.1 million. Conversely, Lake San Antonio has exceeded expectations with a storage of 270,863 acre-feet against an average of around 132,675. These anomalies in water storage levels underscore the challenges facing water managers and hydrologists as they navigate the impacts of climate variability and strive for sustainable water resource management. It's crucial to monitor these changes closely to manage water supplies effectively, ensure the reliability of water for consumption, agriculture, and industry, and to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events on the nation's water infrastructure.

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.