MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Minnesota's reservoirs and dams play a critical role in water management and flood control within the state. Recent observations indicate that some of these bodies of water are experiencing atypical conditions for this time of year. Notably, the Upper Red Lake at Waskish and the Lower Red Lake near Red Lake are both recording gage heights below their respective averages, standing at 73 feet compared to their normal 74.38 and 74.42 feet. Meanwhile, Lake of the Woods at Warroad is also showing a reduction in gage height, measuring at 58 feet against an average of 59.18 feet. These deviations, observed on December 23, 2025, suggest potential concerns regarding water storage and management strategies.

Cross-referencing with multiple data sources, the lower levels within these major reservoirs hint at abnormal conditions that may be the result of several factors, including changes in snowpack and river flows. While the specific reasons behind these abnormal reservoir levels in Minnesota are not detailed in the provided dataset, external factors such as climate variability could be influencing these patterns. Studies like those reported by E&E News, which discuss rising lake levels in different regions and the effects of changing weather patterns, suggest that similar factors could also impact Minnesota's water bodies. Additionally, while the other listed sources do not directly relate to the reservoir data, they highlight the broader context of unusual weather phenomena, such as atypical Christmas temperatures in Texoma, as reported by ETSN.fm. These weather anomalies, if occurring in Minnesota, could contribute to changes in water levels due to altered precipitation patterns, snowmelt rates, and river flows. Continuous monitoring and analysis are necessary to determine the exact causes and to manage the potential impacts on water resources and local ecosystems.

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.