WASHINGTON RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

As of the latest observations in January 2026, Washington's dams and reservoirs have presented a range of storage levels, with some deviating from average measurements. For instance, Mud Mountain Lake near Buckley is significantly above its average elevation, sitting at 1094 feet compared to the usual 931.12 feet, possibly indicating excessive inflow or reduced outflow management. Conversely, Wynoochee Lake near Grisdale is marginally below its typical capacity at 774 feet against an average of 776.34 feet. This may be due to lower-than-expected precipitation or water management strategies. Such variations in storage levels can have implications for local water supply, recreation, and ecological balances.

Among the notable variances, Lake Tapps near Sumner and Diablo Reservoir near Newhalem are close to their average marks, suggesting stable conditions. However, Baker Lake at Upper Baker Dam near Concrete is notably lower with a current level of 703 feet, against an average of 712.41 feet, which could be a result of lower snowpack melting into the reservoir or perhaps increased demand for water downstream. Conversely, Lake Shannon at Concrete is above its average, which could reflect an anomaly in local precipitation patterns or river flows. Lake Scanewa near Kosmos is showing as not available, indicating a potential issue with data collection. Cross-referencing with other data sources such as KPAX News, which reports Flathead Lake near full pool, suggests that at least some regional water bodies are experiencing higher-than-average conditions. Meanwhile, information from camdenarknews.com about dry conditions in regions like Arkansas provides context for a national perspective, where some areas face drought conditions that could also influence Washington's water management strategies if similar conditions were to arise. It's crucial for stakeholders to monitor these trends and consider the implications for water resource management, including the potential for abnormal conditions related to climate variability and changing snowpack and river flow patterns.

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.