MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

In Minnesota, the status of key reservoirs and lakes is a critical piece of environmental data monitored for both ecological health and public safety purposes. As of the latest observations, notable deviations from average storage levels have been recorded. Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad are all reporting gage heights below their average measurements, with Upper and Lower Red Lakes at 73 feet against their respective averages of 74.38 and 74.42 feet, and Lake of the Woods recording a gage height of 58 feet, 1.18 feet below its average of 59.18 feet. These measurements, last observed on December 25, 2025, suggest a trend of decreased water levels across significant water bodies in the state.

The abnormal conditions observed in these major reservoirs and lakes could be associated with several environmental factors. Considering regional news reports, such as the Minnesota state park lake still mostly empty after draining in August as reported by the Star Tribune, it is plausible that some lakes are still recovering from recent human interventions or natural drainage events. Additionally, information sourced from AOL.com suggests that the lack of expert-level hiking areas due to diminished water features could be a symptom of lower-than-expected snowpack levels or decreased river flows feeding into these reservoirs. With these insights, it becomes apparent that the current state of Minnesota's dams and reservoirs is a multifaceted issue likely influenced by a combination of climatic variances and anthropogenic activities. Stakeholders and residents within the affected regions should stay informed and prepared for the implications of these water level changes on local ecosystems and water management practices.

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.