In a recent review of Iowa's major dams and reservoirs, data indicates that most storage levels are holding close to their seasonal averages. However, there are some noteworthy deviations. Clear Lake at Clear Lake, Black Hawk Lake at Lake View, and Lake Panorama at Panora are all slightly below their average gage heights, recording 4 feet, 7 feet, and 45 feet respectively, against their averages of 4.51 feet, 7.13 feet, and 45.43 feet. Spirit Lake near Orleans and West Okoboji Lake at Lakeside Lab are also marginally below average, with current levels at 14 feet and 3 feet, respectively, versus averages of 14.03 feet and 4.17 feet. These minor discrepancies may not immediately signal alarm; however, they require monitoring to ensure they align with typical seasonal patterns.

Conversely, Corydon Lake is experiencing an abnormal condition with a significant increase in streamflow, reported at 5 cubic feet per second against an average of 1.96 cubic feet per second. This surge could be attributed to recent weather events affecting the watershed feeding into Corydon Lake. Rathbun Lake near Rathbun is also reporting a lower gage height of 903 feet compared to its average of 906.54 feet. These abnormal conditions merit attention as they could impact local ecosystems and water management strategies. The minor decreases in gage heights at the other lakes are less concerning but might be related to factors such as lower snowpack levels or reduced river inflows. Continuous monitoring and comparisons with historical data and regional hydrological patterns will be essential in determining the causes of these anomalies and predicting their potential impacts on water availability and management in Iowa.