TEXAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Texas is facing a variety of water level conditions in its numerous dams and reservoirs across the state. The latest observations indicate that some reservoirs, such as Lake Meredith near Sanford and MacKenzie Reservoir near Silverton, are currently at levels slightly above their average water surface elevation. In contrast, Palo Duro Reservoir near Spearman and Greenbelt Lake near Clarendon are experiencing lower than average water surface elevations. The Lake Conroe near Conroe is seeing higher than average reservoir storage in acre-feet, whereas the Addicks Reservoir near Addicks is at a significantly lower storage level than average. These conditions could be attributed to factors including recent weather patterns, water management practices, and long-term climatic changes affecting snowpack and river flows.

Particularly noteworthy are the water crisis concerns in Corpus Christi, with reservoirs hitting record lows, prompting Texas Governor Abbott to warn of potential state intervention. Efforts are underway to diversify the water system in the face of emergency. The situation in Corpus Christi is indicative of broader challenges in water resource management faced by the state. Meanwhile, the water surface elevation in Choke Canyon Reservoir near Three Rivers and Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis are critically low, which aligns with reports of Corpus Christi's potential water shortage. The presence of invasive species like zebra mussels in Amistad Reservoir poses additional ecological challenges. As Texas navigates these varying conditions, the importance of water conservation and strategic infrastructure investments is underscored to ensure sustainable water supplies in the face of fluctuating environmental factors.

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.