MINNESOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

In the latest reservoir and dam observations from Minnesota, there has been a notable variation in storage levels compared to historical averages. Important bodies of water such as Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad are showing lower-than-average gage heights by 1.38, 1.42, and 1.18 feet respectively, as per the last readings taken on December 19, 2025. These figures suggest a downward trend in water levels, which could be of concern if the conditions persist.

Cross-referencing with regional news sources, it is apparent that the nearby Manitoba Hydro has reported losses in their second quarter that are more than double those of the previous year, as evidenced by reports from CBC. Moreover, CTV News has highlighted a third consecutive dry year, pointing towards a trend that could be impacting river flows and reservoir capacities across the border in Minnesota. The abnormal conditions observed in the Minnesota reservoirs may be related to these broader climatic patterns, including reduced precipitation and potentially lower snowpack levels leading to diminished runoff. This trend is concerning for water resource management and could have implications for the ecosystem and human activities dependent on these water bodies.

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.