MICHIGAN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

In Michigan, the health of dams and reservoirs is critical for water management, environmental protection, and community safety. Recent data reveals that, as of December 24, 2025, there are some variances in the water levels of major reservoirs compared to their average measurements. Lake Gogebic near Bergland and Stony Lake near Washington are showing significantly lower gage heights of 1 ft and 6 ft respectively, against their averages of 2.34 ft and 10.93 ft. Conversely, Greenwood Reservoir near Greenwood is slightly above normal with a current gage height of 115 ft compared to its average of 113.11 ft. Other reservoirs such as Cisco Lake, Schweitzer Reservoir, and Austin Lake are holding close to their average levels, indicating stable conditions in those areas.

The abnormal conditions in Lake Gogebic and Stony Lake could be attributed to factors such as reduced snowpack or changes in river flows, which are not evident from the provided dataset but could be investigated further. The slight increase in the Greenwood Reservoir may indicate recent precipitation events or controlled releases from the dam. Data cross-referencing with sources like "MSU Research Helping Drive Michigan’s Dry Bean Industry - Morning Ag Clips" and "USPS Warns Michigan Residents Of Holiday Texting Scam - 103.3 WKFR" does not provide additional insights into reservoir conditions, as they are not directly related to hydrological data. However, continuous monitoring and comparison with historical data and weather patterns are essential to understand the full scope of these abnormal conditions and to manage any potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystems and local communities.

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.