MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

In the state of Minnesota, a critical review of the latest observations on the major dams and reservoirs reveals noteworthy variations from the typical storage levels for this time of year. As of December 28, 2025, data indicates that Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad are all experiencing lower than average gage heights, with Upper and Lower Red Lakes recording a gage height of 73 feet against an average of 74.38 and 74.42 feet respectively, while Lake of the Woods stands at 58 feet, 1.18 feet below its average of 59.18 feet. These deviations may appear minor, but they can be indicative of broader environmental shifts or management decisions that could have long-term implications for water availability and ecosystem health.

The abnormal conditions observed at these dams are possibly related to lower snowpack levels, decreased precipitation, or changes in river flows, which can collectively impact water storage and gage heights. Minnesota typically relies on snowmelt and rainfall to replenish its water bodies, and any significant alteration in these inputs can lead to the kind of variances that have been reported. The consistent drop across multiple sites suggests a regional pattern that may be of concern. These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and potential adaptive management to mitigate any negative consequences, ensuring that water resources are sustainably managed and that ecosystems and communities that depend on these reservoirs remain resilient. The data highlights the importance of cross-referencing and corroborating information from different sources to accurately assess the state of water resources 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.

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.