MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

In Minnesota, the monitoring of key dams and reservoirs is crucial for maintaining water management and environmental stability. Data from recent observations indicates that the state's major water storage systems, namely the Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad, are currently exhibiting lower than average gage heights. As of January 23, 2026, Upper Red Lake's gage height stands at 73 feet, slightly below its average of 74.38 feet. Similarly, the Lower Red Lake is also recorded at 73 feet, marginally beneath its average of 74.42 feet. Lake of the Woods at Warroad is reported at a gage height of 58 feet, which is below the average of 59.18 feet. These deviations from the norm may seem small, but they are significant indicators of the water storage levels in these reservoirs.

The observed lower levels across these three reservoirs may be symptomatic of underlying environmental factors impacting Minnesota's water resources. Abnormal conditions such as these could be attributed to variations in snowpack, precipitation patterns, or river flows affecting the inflow and outflow dynamics of these water bodies. A reduced snowpack can lead to smaller spring runoff, consequently impacting the reservoirs' replenishment. Additionally, altered river flows can stem from various factors such as upstream water usage or climate anomalies, which in turn can affect the storage levels of reservoirs. It is vital for local authorities and stakeholders to cross-reference these observations with additional meteorological and hydrological data to confirm trends and to determine appropriate water management strategies. Keeping a close watch on these parameters is essential for ensuring the sustainability of water resources and for mitigating potential adverse effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and water supply for Minnesota's 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.