MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

In recent observations of Minnesota's major dams and reservoirs, we note some deviations from the average storage levels. As of January 1, 2026, Upper Red Lake at Waskish and Lower Red Lake near Red Lake have both recorded gage heights of 73 feet, slightly below their average of around 74.4 feet. Lake of the Woods at Warroad is also experiencing a lower gage height at 58 feet compared to its average of 59.18 feet. These discrepancies suggest that the reservoirs are retaining less water than is typically expected for this time of year.

Several factors may contribute to the observed lower water levels in these critical reservoirs. According to the data from 'The Biggest Weather Moments Of 2025 In Minnesota - Duluth Country Radio', the state has recently experienced significant weather events that could have impacted snowpack and river flows, subsequently influencing reservoir storage. Additionally, 'Minnesota keeps warming: Where 2025 ranked among the hottest years - Yahoo' indicates an ongoing trend of increasing temperatures, which could have led to higher evaporation rates and altered precipitation patterns. It is important to cross-reference these findings with further climatic data and water management records to determine the precise cause of the abnormal reservoir conditions. These trends necessitate close monitoring to manage water resources effectively and prepare for potential impacts on water availability in the region.

Minnesota has over 15,000 lakes and reservoirs, with the largest being Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake, and Lake Vermilion. These reservoirs are primarily fed by streams and rivers such as the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Red River. Snowpack in the northern part of the state is crucial for maintaining water levels in these reservoirs during the dry summer months. However, drought conditions can negatively impact water levels, as was the case in the summer of 2021 when Lake Minnetonka recorded its lowest water level in 80 years. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the state's geography, which includes rolling hills and flat plains. Seasonal trends include high water levels in the spring due to snowmelt and lower levels in the summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in providing water for agriculture, industry, and recreation in Minnesota.

Minnesota has over 15,000 lakes and reservoirs, with the largest being Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake, and Lake Vermilion. These reservoirs are primarily fed by streams and rivers such as the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Red River. Snowpack in the northern part of the state is crucial for maintaining water levels in these reservoirs during the dry summer months. However, drought conditions can negatively impact water levels, as was the case in the summer of 2021 when Lake Minnetonka recorded its lowest water level in 80 years. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the state's geography, which includes rolling hills and flat plains. Seasonal trends include high water levels in the spring due to snowmelt and lower levels in the summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in providing water for agriculture, industry, and recreation in Minnesota.