MICHIGAN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Michigan's dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply, flood control, and recreation. Recent observations indicate that most reservoirs are at or near their average storage levels, except for Lake Gogebic and Stony Lake, which are experiencing notably lower than average gage heights. Lake Gogebic, near Bergland, has a current gage height of 1 ft, significantly below its average of 2.34 ft. Similarly, Stony Lake, near Washington, is measured at 6 ft against an average of 10.93 ft. In contrast, the Greenwood Reservoir near Greenwood is slightly above its average, with a current gage height of 115 ft compared to the average of 113.11 ft. These observations, as of December 28, 2025, suggest variable conditions across the state's water systems.

The abnormal conditions in Lake Gogebic and Stony Lake may be a result of lower snowpack levels or reduced river flows, which have not been replenished as expected. Typically, Michigan's lakes and reservoirs depend on melting snow to maintain water levels. The data suggests potential climatic variations affecting these regions. All other monitored reservoirs, including Cisco Lake near Watersmeet, Schweitzer Reservoir near Palmer, and Austin Lake near Kalamazoo, are hovering around their average levels, indicating stable conditions in those areas. It is essential for local authorities and residents to monitor these deviations in Lake Gogebic and Stony Lake, as they could impact water availability and ecosystem health if these conditions persist or worsen over time.

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.