Arizona Reservoir Nearly Dries Up After Snowpack Collapse, Triggering Massive Fish Kill
Arizona Reservoir Nearly Dries Up After Snowpack Collapse, Triggering Massive Fish Kill
US · Published Jun 19, 2026
San Carlos Reservoir in Arizona has reached a critical low, holding less than 1% of its capacity as of May 22, 2026, due to an exceptionally scarce snowpack in the Gila River watershed.
Snow levels in the region were just 2% of the 1991-2020 March median, leading to streamflows in April at only 39% of normal levels.

Why It's Important?

The collapse of the snowpack and subsequent reservoir depletion have severe implications for agriculture, local ecosystems, and recreational activities. The fish kill has decimated aquatic life, disrupting the reservoir's ecosystem and potentially requiring years for recovery. Decomposing fish pose health risks to those attempting to fish or boat in the area. The ongoing drought in the Gila River watershed, classified as severe by the U.S. Drought Monitor, exacerbates the situation, threatening water availability for downstream agricultural use and local communities.

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