MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

In Minnesota, the state of reservoirs and dams is a critical factor for water management and ecological balance. Recent observations reveal that key reservoirs like Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad are displaying gage heights below their respective averages. Upper and Lower Red Lakes are showing gage heights at 73 feet, which is approximately 1.4 feet lower than their averages of 74.37 and 74.42 feet, respectively. Similarly, Lake of the Woods at Warroad registers a current gage height of 58 feet, approximately 1.18 feet below the average of 59.18 feet. These measurements, last observed on February 19, 2026, suggest that these major reservoirs are experiencing lower than average water storage levels.

The below-average conditions of these dams may be associated with environmental factors. Minnesota has been active with discussions on water-intensive projects like data centers, as reported by the Minnesota Women's Press, which could contribute to water usage and management policies. Additionally, weather patterns such as snowfall are crucial in replenishing these water bodies. According to AOL.com, snow totals across the state can influence the seasonal recharge of reservoirs. The weather forecast from heraldousa.com indicates light snow showers ahead, which may not significantly contribute to restoring the reservoir levels to their average marks. These factors combined point towards an interplay of human activity and climatic conditions affecting the reservoir levels in Minnesota dams, particularly in this time of year when snowpack and river flows are vital for maintaining water storage levels within expected ranges. It is important for state authorities to monitor these trends closely to ensure sustainable water resource management and to mitigate any potential impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

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.