Elephant Butte Reservoir Reaches Historic Low at 1.4% Capacity

Buzzline

As of July 27, 2026, Elephant Butte Reservoir, the most significant reservoir in New Mexico, has dropped to a mere 1.4% of its total capacity, marking its lowest level since 1971. According to the NASA Earth Observatory, extended drought conditions throughout the Rio Grande watershed, combined with the earliest recorded snowmelt in the southern Rocky Mountains, have severely diminished the water inflow to the reservoir. In June 1994, the lake was close to full capacity, underscoring the extent of the decline over the years. Following July 28, water releases for agricultural use were halted, allowing the water levels to begin a gradual recovery. NASA satellite initiatives are assisting water managers in monitoring supplies and strategizing for upcoming shortages.  Disclosure: This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using Al-assisted tools. ai-generated

Transcript

00:00New Mexico's largest reservoir has fallen to an extraordinary low level.

00:04Elephant Butte Reservoir held just 1.4% of its capacity on July 27, 2026.

00:11That is the reservoir's lowest level since 1971.

00:15The dramatic decline is linked to prolonged drought across the Rio Grande Basin.

00:20The situation was made worse by the earliest snowmelt on record in the southern Rocky Mountains.

00:25That early melt reduced water reaching the river and reservoir later in the season.

00:30The contrast is striking when compared with the past.

00:32In June 1994, Elephant Butte was nearly full.

00:36During another major drought in 2013, the reservoir reached an annual low of 2.9%.

00:42The extremely low water levels exposed debris along the shoreline.

00:47Boat ramps were also coated with sediment.

00:49Agricultural water releases ended after July 28.

00:52The reservoir then slowly began gaining water.

00:55The shrinking supply challenges, communities, and farms in New Mexico and Texas.

01:00NASA is using satellites to track changing water conditions.

01:04The data could help managers prepare for future shortages.

01:07Disclosure.

01:08This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

01:12Let us know more details.

01:12So let's take a closer look.

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