MICHIGAN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Michigan's array of dams and reservoirs plays a crucial role in water management, recreation, and ecology. Recent observations indicate that certain water bodies are experiencing abnormal conditions, which could be a result of various environmental factors such as snowpack levels, precipitation trends, and river flows. Lake Gogebic, near Bergland, is reported to have a gage height considerably below its average of 2.34 feet, currently at 1 foot according to the last observation on December 20, 2025. This could suggest a potential water deficit or altered water management practices. Conversely, Greenwood Reservoir near Greenwood is above its average gage height of 113.11 feet, at 115 feet, which may indicate higher than normal inflows or reduced outflows. Meanwhile, other reservoirs like Cisco Lake near Watersmeet and Schweitzer Reservoir near Palmer are holding close to their average levels, suggesting stability in those systems.

In a broader perspective, these variations in gage heights across Michigan's dams and reservoirs can have significant impacts. For instance, the lower levels in Lake Gogebic might affect local aquatic habitats and water availability for municipalities and agriculture. On the other hand, the elevated levels at Greenwood Reservoir could pose a risk of overflow or increased stress on dam structures if not properly managed. Austin Lake near Kalamazoo and Stony Lake near Washington are both below their average gage heights, at 5 and 6 feet respectively, hinting at possible drought conditions or increased water usage that could be impacting these bodies of water. These anomalies in Michigan's water systems are critical for local authorities and communities to monitor and address, as they may have implications for water supply, flood control, and environmental conservation. It is essential to cross-reference these observations with additional data on precipitation, snowpack, and river flows to ascertain the causes of these abnormal conditions and to inform water management decisions.

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.