Locations

Confirmed Sites

The following locations have yielded verified photographic, acoustic, or physical evidence of inland cetacean presence, reviewed and approved by the IIWS Scientific Review Board.

• Tempe Town Lake, AZ — Ongoing resident population. Acoustic signatures confirmed. Maricopa Coastal Authority warning signage in place per Local Ordinance 14.3.
• Blue Mesa Reservoir, CO — Rocky Mountain Orca breeding population. First-ever photographic documentation captured by IIWS field team in 2023.
• Lake Mead, NV/AZ — Multiple credible sightings corroborated by independent observers. Acoustic monitoring ongoing.
• Saguaro Lake, AZ — Seasonal presence documented. Photo-ID catalog records three individual animals.
• Lake Pleasant, AZ — Hydrophone array active since 2021. Consistent vocalization events recorded between March and October.

High-Probability Sites

These locations have produced multiple credible sightings and environmental DNA matches but lack definitive photographic or acoustic confirmation to date.

• Roosevelt Lake, AZ
• Navajo Lake, NM/UT
• Flaming Gorge Reservoir, WY/UT
• Lake Havasu, AZ/CA
• Elephant Butte Reservoir, NM

Submit a Sighting

Observed unusual activity in an inland waterway? IIWS reviews all submissions. Include date, location, description, and any photographic or video evidence. All credible submissions are logged in the IIWS database and reviewed within 10 business days.