MICHIGAN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Michigan's dams and reservoirs are a crucial part of the state's water management infrastructure, providing water for various uses, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. Recent observations indicate a mixed situation concerning water levels in these structures. Lake Gogebic near Bergland, for instance, exhibits a significant decrease in gage height, sitting at 1 foot compared to its average of 2.34 feet. Conversely, the Greenwood Reservoir near Greenwood is slightly above its average, recorded at 115 feet against an average of 113.11 feet. While changes in water levels are not uncommon, they are important to monitor as they can impact local ecosystems, water supply, and the operation of the dams themselves.

The discrepancies in water levels are not uniform across the state. Cisco Lake near Watersmeet, Schweitzer Reservoir near Palmer, and Austin Lake near Kalamazoo show water levels consistent with their averages, indicating stable conditions. However, Stony Lake near Washington presents a notable deviation, with a current gage height of 6 feet, substantially below its average of 10.93 feet. These abnormal conditions could be related to factors such as regional snowpack levels affecting river flows and reservoir inputs, or management decisions in response to infrastructure concerns. Recent news from Michigan, including widespread power outages and the revocation of a hydro dam's license due to safety lapses, suggests that the state's water infrastructure is under considerable stress. This context may influence current reservoir conditions and necessitates close monitoring and proactive management to ensure public safety and water resource stability.

Michigan has over 1200 dams, 200 of which are major dams, many of which form significant reservoirs. The state's major reservoirs include Lake St. Clair, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Hubbard Lake, Manistee Lake, and Hamlin Lake. These reservoirs are primarily fed by various rivers, including the St. Clair River, Au Sable River, and Manistee River. Michigan's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowpack and winter precipitation, which provide the bulk of the water supply for the state's streams and reservoirs. The Upper Peninsula, with its higher elevations and colder temperatures, typically has higher snowpack levels and more significant snowmelt runoff than the Lower Peninsula. Some areas of the state have experienced record high water levels and flooding in recent years, while other areas have experienced drought conditions. Seasonal trends in water levels vary by location and depend on factors such as snowmelt timing and precipitation patterns. Overall, Michigan's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in regulating water supply and managing flood risk in the state.

Michigan has over 1200 dams, 200 of which are major dams, many of which form significant reservoirs. The state's major reservoirs include Lake St. Clair, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Hubbard Lake, Manistee Lake, and Hamlin Lake. These reservoirs are primarily fed by various rivers, including the St. Clair River, Au Sable River, and Manistee River. Michigan's hydrology is heavily influenced by snowpack and winter precipitation, which provide the bulk of the water supply for the state's streams and reservoirs. The Upper Peninsula, with its higher elevations and colder temperatures, typically has higher snowpack levels and more significant snowmelt runoff than the Lower Peninsula. Some areas of the state have experienced record high water levels and flooding in recent years, while other areas have experienced drought conditions. Seasonal trends in water levels vary by location and depend on factors such as snowmelt timing and precipitation patterns. Overall, Michigan's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in regulating water supply and managing flood risk in the state.