***Notices for the latest release changes are posted HERE.***
***Road closure updates for Navajo Dam drilling will be updated HERE as information is available. Also please check closure information through NMDOT.***
Current Status
Last Updated: April 10th 2025
Navajo Reservoir – On April 7th the release was 400 cfs. Reservoir inflow was averaging 510 cfs. The water surface elevation was 6036.20 feet above sea level. At this elevation the live storage was 1.02 maf (62 percent of live storage capacity) and the active storage is 0.395 maf (39 percent of active storage capacity). Diversions to Cutter Reservoir for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP) and the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project (NGWSP) are 152 cfs. The San Juan-Chama project was diverting at a rate of 31 cfs. SNOTEL stations above Navajo Reservoir are showing 57 percent of median with 10.45 inches on this date.
Releases from Navajo Dam are made for authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit and are pursuant to the Record of Decision for the Navajo Reservoir Operations. Releases target the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program's (SJRIP) recommended downstream baseflow range of 500 cfs to 1,000 cfs through the critical habitat reach of the San Juan River (Farmington, NM to Lake Powell).
In the month of March, the release averaged 412 cfs and totaled 25.3 kaf, which was 41 percent of average for the month. Preliminary modified unregulated inflow (MUI) into Navajo was 30.6 kaf, which was 37 percent of average for the month. Calculated evaporation for the month was 1.3 kaf. NIIP diverted 4.7 kaf. Navajo had a net storage change of -6.9 kaf in March.
The most probable inflow forecast for April, May, and June is 61 kaf, (42 percent of average), 152 kaf (62 percent of average), and 83 kaf (44 percent of average), respectively.
The April-July runoff forecast is as follows:
MIN: 225 kaf (32 percent of avg, an increase of 25 kaf since the March forecast)
MOST: 300 kaf (43 percent of avg, a decrease of 25 kaf since the March forecast)
MAX: 455 kaf (66 percent of avg, a decrease of 100 kaf since the March forecast)
The release is expected to remain between 350 and 400 cfs throughout the remainder of the spring.
Reclamation conducts Public Operations Meetings three times per year to gather input for determining upcoming operations for Navajo Reservoir. Input from individuals, organizations, and agencies along with other factors such as weather, water rights, endangered species requirements, flood control, hydro power, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and reservoir levels, will be considered in the development of these reservoir operation plans. In addition, the meetings are used to coordinate activities and exchange information among agencies, water users, and other interested parties concerning the San Juan River and Navajo Reservoir. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 22nd at 1:00 PM. This meeting is open to the public, and will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams.
Susan Behery
sbehery@usbr.gov
Contact
Please contact the Operations Group via e-mail at ResourceMgr@usbr.gov for additional information.
