WASHINGTON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Recent observations indicate several dams and reservoirs in Washington are experiencing atypical conditions for this time of year. Mud Mountain Lake near Buckley stands out with a current water surface elevation of 1095 feet, significantly above its average of 931.09 feet, hinting at possible excessive inflow or management strategy deviations. Lake Shannon at Concrete also shows an unusual increase to 434 feet from its average of 420.55 feet. In contrast, Wynoochee Lake near Grisdale, Howard A Hanson Reservoir near Palmer, and Moses Lake at Moses Lake report levels below their respective averages, possibly reflecting lower precipitation or increased water usage.

These variances in reservoir levels could be linked to abnormal weather patterns, such as a warmer-than-expected December, as reported by El-Balad.com, potentially affecting snowpack and river flows. The situation is exacerbated by flash flooding and levee failures as described by AOL.com, which may influence reservoir management and water retention policies. The observed data, cross-referenced with multiple sources including GraysHarborTalk and Duluth Country Radio, underscores a need for careful monitoring of reservoir levels and associated environmental conditions. Given the increase in wildfire risk across different states as noted by El Dorado News-Times, the management of water resources in Washington is crucial in anticipating and mitigating potential natural disasters.

Washington state has over 700 dams and reservoirs, many of which provide hydroelectric power and irrigation for agriculture. The Columbia River is the largest source of water for the state, with many major reservoirs located along its length. These include Grand Coulee, Banks Lake, and Lake Roosevelt. The Yakima River basin also has several important reservoirs, including Cle Elum Lake, Kachess Lake, and Bumping Lake. Snowpack in the Cascades and Olympics is critical for water supply, particularly for irrigation during the dry summer months. In recent years, drought conditions have affected much of the state, with record low snowpack levels in 2015 leading to restrictions on water use. Seasonal trends generally see peak water levels in the spring as snowmelt increases streamflow, followed by a gradual decline throughout the summer and fall. Overall, the hydrology of Washington is complex, with a mix of natural and human factors affecting the availability and use of water resources.

Washington state has over 700 dams and reservoirs, many of which provide hydroelectric power and irrigation for agriculture. The Columbia River is the largest source of water for the state, with many major reservoirs located along its length. These include Grand Coulee, Banks Lake, and Lake Roosevelt. The Yakima River basin also has several important reservoirs, including Cle Elum Lake, Kachess Lake, and Bumping Lake. Snowpack in the Cascades and Olympics is critical for water supply, particularly for irrigation during the dry summer months. In recent years, drought conditions have affected much of the state, with record low snowpack levels in 2015 leading to restrictions on water use. Seasonal trends generally see peak water levels in the spring as snowmelt increases streamflow, followed by a gradual decline throughout the summer and fall. Overall, the hydrology of Washington is complex, with a mix of natural and human factors affecting the availability and use of water resources.