New Mexico's largest reservoir sat at 1.4 percent full in August 2026, its lowest level since 1971 after years of drought and record-early snowmelt.
Tag: Elephant Butte Reservoir
New Mexico's largest reservoir dropped to just 1.4% full on July 28, 2026, leaving the Marina del Sur boat ramp hazardous as State Parks clears debris.
Lake Powell and Lake Mead have dropped to their lowest July levels in 30 years, and the full Colorado River system sits at just 33% of capacity.
New Mexico rivers face average runoff, water management challenges
Despite near-average snowpack in New Mexico, water supplies are expected to be below average in the Rio Grande Basin, posing challenges for water managers and users throughout the region.