Updated: California’s 10 Largest Reservoirs Drought Status

Updated Jan 21

Folsom, Calif.- The welcome precipitation of storms walloped California with major snowstorms in December to deliver a White Christmas to the Sierra Nevada. The 2021 deluge brought a dose of relief to our drought-plagued state and reservoirs.

Among the largest reservoirs in California, Folsom Lake and Lake Oroville have seen the largest increase statewide to date this rainy season. Folsom Lake, a critical water supply to the Sacramento region is among the most depleted reservoirs.

After dropping to 22 percent, Folsom now stands at 55 percent capacity. Lake Oroville, which at one point was forced to shut off it hydropower after dropping to 22 percent, now sits at 45 percent according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Drought updates and status of California’s 10 largest reservoirs.

Cities throughout California have tightened water restrictions in an effort to navigate extreme drought. Communities such as Roseville and Folsom have mandated 20 percent cutbacks, while in Mendocino County, wells have run dry as the community has been forced to import water by the truck load.

Did You Know?

• Taller than the Hoover Dam, the Lake Oroville Dam at 770 feet is the tallest in the United States.
• An acre foot is approximately 326,000 gallons. The average U.S. household is estimated to use between one half to one acre foot per year.
• In 2017, the Lake Oroville Dam spillway at risk of failure caused a large scale evacuation

Total Outdoor use accounts for an estimated 30 percent of water use according the U.S. EPA.

California reservoir levels

Jan 21, 2022

Oct 1

Sept 1

Top 10 California Reservoirs – Aug 1

Top 10 California Reservoirs – July 4

Top 10 California Reservoirs – June 10

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