SNOFLO
 


       
       

IOWA RESERVOIR LEVELS

April 24 2025
       

Iowa's dams and reservoirs are integral to the state's water management, recreation, and conservation efforts. Based on recent observations, most reservoirs are maintaining levels close to their historical averages, suggesting stable conditions. Clear Lake at Clear Lake, Black Hawk Lake at Lake View, Lake Panorama at Panora, and Spirit Lake near Orleans are all recording gage heights within a close margin of their averages, which indicates that these water bodies are currently at expected storage levels for the season. West Okoboji Lake at Lakeside Lab near Milford is slightly below its average, which may be indicative of lower inflows or higher water withdrawals, although the deviation is not significant enough to raise immediate concerns.

However, Corydon Lake is experiencing an unusual spike in streamflow, measuring 5 ft³/s compared to its average of 1.96 ft³/s, potentially pointing to recent heavy precipitation events or snowmelt contributing to increased runoff. Conversely, Rathbun Lake near Rathbun is showing a minor decrease below its average gage height, which could be related to recent weather patterns, water usage, or management decisions. These variations are important to monitor as they could impact water availability, recreational activities, and downstream ecosystems. To ensure the reliability of this report, data cross-referencing with multiple sources is essential; however, the provided dataset does not include alternative sources for corroboration. It is recommended that further data analysis and investigations are conducted to understand the causes behind these abnormal conditions and to assess any potential need for response or adjustments in dam operations.

Reservoirs & Dams