TEXAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Texas is currently facing a mixed bag of water storage levels across its various dams and reservoirs, with some exceeding their averages while others are significantly below, hinting at underlying climatic and environmental factors at play. For instance, Lake Meredith near Sanford is above its average water surface elevation, recording 2892 feet compared to its 2871.69 feet average. Similarly, MacKenzie Reservoir near Silverton exceeds its average, indicating healthy storage levels. However, several reservoirs such as Palo Duro near Spearman, Greenbelt Lake near Clarendon, and Lake Electra near Electra, are reporting levels below their historical averages, which could suggest decreased inflow, potentially from lower snowpack levels or reduced river flows affecting replenishment.

Notable abnormalities include Lake Bonham near Bonham and Randell Lake near Denison, which have shown more significant drops in their water surface elevation, indicative of the broader drought conditions affecting the state. Reports from Dallas News have highlighted increasing drought figures in Texas following a dry December. This aligns with the current low water levels observed in several reservoirs, such as Lake Abilene near Buffalo Gap, which is seeing water surface levels notably lower than its average. On the other hand, facilities like Lake Travis near Austin, which serve as critical water sources, have implemented new water tunnels to ensure a reliable water supply for surrounding communities, as reported by KWBU. This innovation underscores the varying strategies being deployed to manage water resources amidst changing environmental conditions.

The variations in reservoir levels underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need for enhanced water management strategies. As drought conditions continue to affect different parts of Texas, regions like Big Bend have requested visitors to conserve water, reflecting the heightened awareness and proactive measures being taken. Furthermore, as students from CSUN lay the groundwork for a national database on water quality, as noted by SCV News, the integration of such data will be crucial in understanding and responding to the fluctuating dynamics of Texas' water reservoirs and ensuring long-term water security for the state's residents and ecosystems.

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.