TEXAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

In Texas, the surveillance of reservoir and dam water levels is critical for managing water resources, especially considering the state's susceptibility to both droughts and floods. Based on the most recent observations, many of the major reservoirs are holding water levels close to their historical averages. For example, Lake Meredith near Sanford and MacKenzie Reservoir near Silverton are slightly above their average water surface elevations, indicating a healthy storage level. However, several reservoirs exhibit abnormal conditions that raise concerns. Greenbelt Lake near Clarendon, Palo Duro Reservoir near Spearman, and Lake Abilene near Buffalo Gap are below their average elevations, which could be indicative of decreased inflows or heightened water demand in these areas.

The deviations from average storage levels in certain reservoirs may result from factors such as altered river flows, recent precipitation patterns, or seasonal variations that have yet to be captured in the data. For instance, Lake Meredith's higher-than-average level may result from increased river inflows or reduced water usage, while the lower levels at Greenbelt Lake could point to either diminished inflows or possibly higher extraction rates. Notably, Lake Travis near Austin presents an elevation significantly above the average, which could be attributed to recent rainfall events or strategic water management decisions. In contrast, Medina Lake near San Antonio is substantially below its average level, potentially due to prolonged dry periods or increased water consumption. These patterns underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and adapting water resource management to ensure sustainable water supply and flood control. It's crucial to reference additional meteorological data and regional water usage reports to fully understand the cause of these abnormal conditions and to predict future reservoir levels.

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.