- Recent storms reduced short-term water demand.
- Davis Dam releases dropped to about 2,300 cubic feet per second.
- The move protects Lake Havasu’s safe water level.
- Reclamation stresses the need to conserve water due to drought.
- Conditions may extend the reduced releases beyond November 28.
Friday, November 28, 2025 — On November 24, the Bureau of Reclamation began reducing hourly water releases from Davis Dam
on the lower Colorado River. The agency stated that recent rainstorms and lower water demand in Southern California and Arizona necessitated adjustments to operations to protect storage within the river system.
Releases dropped to approximately 2,300 cubic feet per second starting at 4:00 pm on November 24. The lower release level is scheduled to continue through midnight on November 28 Mountain Standard Time. However, Reclamation noted that the reduction could last longer, depending on changing conditions over the following week.
Protecting Lake Havasu and Preventing Storage Loss.
Reclamation explained that lower releases from Davis Dam are needed to maintain a safe water surface elevation at Lake Havasu. Allowing the reservoir to drop too far would complicate operations at Parker Dam downstream and increase the likelihood of pushing excess water out of the system. That outcome would reduce overall storage at a time when the agency is trying to conserve every possible acre-foot.
Reclamation emphasized that the Colorado River Basin remains in drought. Conserving water within the storage network is a top operational priority, especially when brief weather events or reductions in demand create temporary imbalances in river flow.
Safety Concerns for River Users.
Lower river flows can alter the channel quickly. Reclamation warned that sandbars, unstable banks, floating debris, and other unfamiliar obstacles may be exposed until normal release levels return. The agency encouraged boaters and river users to use extra caution during the adjustment period.
Operational Outlook.
Reclamation noted that the planned operating schedule is subject to change. Shifts in weather, watershed conditions, or operational needs could modify both the duration and the size of the reduced releases. Hourly and daily updates for the Colorado River dams are posted online, including projected release schedules for Davis and Parker Dams.
Image of Davis Dam via the Bureau of Reclamation.
FAQ
Why is Reclamation reducing releases from Davis Dam?
Reclamation is reducing releases because recent storms and lower demand created temporary conditions that require tighter control of river flows. The reduction helps maintain Lake Havasu at a safe operating level and prevents unnecessary loss of stored water.
How low did the releases become?
Releases were reduced to approximately 2,300 cubic feet per second beginning November 24.
Could the reduced releases last beyond November 28?
Yes. Reclamation stated that the lower release level may continue for an additional week or longer depending on system conditions.
How does this relate to drought in the Colorado River Basin?
Despite recent rain, the drought persists. Reclamation is working to conserve as much water as possible within the river’s storage network. Avoiding excess releases downstream is part of that effort.
Will this affect boating or recreation?
Possibly. Lower flows may expose sandbars, debris, or unstable banks. River users should proceed with caution until flows return to normal.
Does this decision affect only Davis Dam?
The decision directly affects Davis Dam but is tied to downstream operations at Parker Dam and overall storage management throughout the Colorado River system.
