In Iowa, recent observations of dam and reservoir levels indicate that most water bodies are maintaining storage levels close to their historical averages, with a few notable exceptions. Clear Lake, Black Hawk Lake, Lake Panorama, and Spirit Lake are all reporting gage heights slightly below average, at 4 feet (average 4.51 feet), 7 feet (average 7.13 feet), 45 feet (average 45.43 feet), and 14 feet (average 14.03 feet) respectively. Meanwhile, West Okoboji Lake is experiencing a more significant drop, with the current gage height at 3 feet compared to the average of 4.17 feet. Corydon Lake is an outlier with streamflow significantly above average, currently at 5 cubic feet per second (ft³/s) against an average of 1.96 ft³/s. Rathbun Lake is also slightly below its average gage height, reporting 903 feet in comparison to the typical 906.53 feet.

These variations in water levels could be attributed to a range of environmental factors including seasonal snowpack melt contributing to river flows, precipitation patterns, and water management practices. The lower levels in the mentioned lakes might be indicative of reduced snowpack or lower than average precipitation. Corydon Lake's elevated streamflow suggests increased runoff, possibly due to recent precipitation events or snow melt. Rathbun Lake, serving as a major reservoir, indicates a modest deviation from normal conditions, which may be due to routine water management or natural fluctuations. It's important for local authorities and residents to monitor these conditions closely, as they can impact water supply, flood control, and ecological health in the region. With no additional source data provided, this report is based solely on the latest observations as of April 16, 2025, and any changes in weather or hydrological conditions could further alter these levels.