TEXAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Texas reservoirs and dams have experienced varying conditions over the past year, with certain water bodies reflecting abnormal levels for the time. Data shows fluctuations in water surface elevations and storage, signaling the ongoing impact of climatic events and regional water demands.

For example, Lake Meredith near Sanford currently registers at 2892 feet, slightly above its average of 2871.64 feet, which could be indicative of recent rainfalls or reduced water consumption. However, the most striking variances can be seen at Lake Travis near Austin, where the current elevation is substantially higher at 668 feet, compared to the average of 649.37 feet, suggesting an influx from upstream or potential changes in management strategies. On the other hand, Medina Lake near San Antonio is facing a significant decline, with the current elevation at 979 feet, quite below its average of 1020.9 feet, hinting at the effects of an eight-week dry spell in the Texas Panhandle as reported by KVII and potential over-utilization of water resources. Similarly, Red Bluff Reservoir near Orla has risen slightly to 2819 feet from its average of 2815.14 feet. These observations underscore the varying impacts of weather extremes and management decisions across the state's hydrological infrastructure.

Moreover, the data indicates that while some reservoirs, like Lake Granbury near Granbury, are holding steady around their average levels, others like Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis show a concerning drop to 76 feet from an average of 88.2 feet, reflecting potential drought conditions as highlighted by KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi. These disparities may also be connected to recent weather events, such as the flooding in Northern California mentioned by POLITICO Pro, which has contrasting effects on Texas water systems. As the state has witnessed significant weather events from Hill Country flooding to Bexar County wildfires, authorities like the Texas A&M Forest Service urge caution, especially during holiday seasons prone to heightened fire risks.

Overall, the reservoir and dam levels in Texas display a complex picture influenced by both natural weather patterns and human activities. While some areas manage to remain within average parameters, others exhibit signs of stress that necessitate careful monitoring and adaptive management to ensure sustainable water use and disaster preparedness.

Texas has over 100 major reservoirs and dams, providing water for irrigation, municipal use, and recreation. Some of the largest reservoirs in the state include Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Roberts, and Lake Lewisville. These reservoirs are primarily fed by the Red River and its tributaries, as well as the Trinity River. Snowpack and mountains are not major factors in Texas' hydrology, as the state is mostly flat and lacks significant mountain ranges. However, drought conditions can have a major impact on water levels in reservoirs. Texas experienced a severe drought from 2010-2015, which led to record low levels in many reservoirs. Seasonal trends also play a role in Texas' hydrology, with most rainfall occurring in the spring and fall. The summer months are typically drier, which can lead to decreased water levels in reservoirs. However, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring heavy rainfall and flooding in late summer and early fall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a critical role in Texas' water supply, but are vulnerable to drought and seasonal fluctuations.

Texas has over 100 major reservoirs and dams, providing water for irrigation, municipal use, and recreation. Some of the largest reservoirs in the state include Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Roberts, and Lake Lewisville. These reservoirs are primarily fed by the Red River and its tributaries, as well as the Trinity River.

Snowpack and mountains are not major factors in Texas' hydrology, as the state is mostly flat and lacks significant mountain ranges. However, drought conditions can have a major impact on water levels in reservoirs. Texas experienced a severe drought from 2010-2015, which led to record low levels in many reservoirs.

Seasonal trends also play a role in Texas' hydrology, with most rainfall occurring in the spring and fall. The summer months are typically drier, which can lead to decreased water levels in reservoirs. However, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring heavy rainfall and flooding in late summer and early fall.

Overall, reservoirs and dams play a critical role in Texas' water supply, but are vulnerable to drought and seasonal fluctuations.