Where California's reservoir levels stand going into 2026

"California's largest reservoir, Shasta Lake, is at 123% of its historical average for this time of year, measuring at 72% capacity as of Monday, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The reservoir's current surface elevation is 1,019 feet, which is not far from its full capacity, according to Monday data from the Bureau of Reclamation, the agency that oversees the reservoir. When Shasta is full, the elevation is 1,067 feet above sea level."

"Lake Oroville, the state's second largest reservoir, is also trending higher than its seasonal norm. The reservoir is currently at 127% of its historical average and is 68% full, according to the Department of Water Resources. As of Tuesday morning, the reservoir's surface elevation was around 821 feet. When Oroville is at full capacity, it measures 900 feet above sea level."

"Other reservoirs showing substantial water levels above their seasonal averages include Folsom Lake (136%), Trinity Lake (132%), New Melones Lake (127%), Lake Sonoma (120%), Lake Cachuma (157%) and Lake McClure (147%). Out of all the major reservoirs, though, the ones closest to hitting their capacity are Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Casitas and Lake Cachuma, which are 94%, 96% and 98% full, respectively."

After weeks of winter storms, all of California's key reservoirs exceed their historical averages for this time of year. Shasta Lake stands at 123% of its historical average and 72% capacity, with a surface elevation of 1,019 feet versus 1,067 feet when full. Lake Oroville is at 127% of its historical average and 68% full, with a surface elevation near 821 feet of 900 feet full capacity. Almost every major reservoir except Pine Flat Lake is more than halfway full; Pine Flat is 37% capacity but 111% of its historical average. Several reservoirs report substantially above-average levels and some are nearing capacity. Larger reservoirs have tended to fill by spring, with Shasta and Oroville reaching full capacity in May for the third consecutive year. These milestones follow a multi-year dry spell and a depleted supply at Lake Oroville in 2021.

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