MICHIGAN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Michigan's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water management, recreation, and environmental protection. Latest observations indicate that while most reservoirs are maintaining average storage levels, some are experiencing abnormalities. Notably, Lake Gogebic near Bergland and Stony Lake near Washington are below their average gage heights, which could signal potential issues with water supply or ecological impacts if the trend continues. On the other hand, the Greenwood Reservoir near Greenwood is slightly above its average, suggesting ample water storage and possibly higher inflow conditions.

Delving into the specifics, Lake Gogebic, a significant water body in Michigan, recorded a gage height of 1 foot against an average of 2.34 feet, which is a significant deviation from its norm. This decrease might be attributed to lower than usual precipitation or snowmelt contributions. At the same time, Stony Lake's current gage height is 6 feet, well below its average of 10.93 feet, possibly indicating decreased inflows or increased water usage downstream. Conversely, Greenwood Reservoir is above its average of 113.11 feet at a current height of 115 feet, hinting at an increase in water input from snowpack melt or heightened rainfall. The other reservoirs, including Cisco Lake near Watersmeet, Schweitzer Reservoir near Palmer, and Austin Lake near Kalamazoo, are hovering around their average storage levels, indicating stable conditions at the time of the last observation. Cross-referencing these findings with multiple data sources is essential to confirm their accuracy and assess the potential impact of these deviations. The underlying factors for these anomalies could be related to seasonal changes in snowpack levels, variations in river flows, and regional climatic fluctuations. As such, continuous monitoring is essential to manage water resources effectively and mitigate any potential risks associated with these abnormal conditions.

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.