SNOFLO
 

       

MINNESOTA RESERVOIR LEVELS

March 26 2025
       

       

Recent observations of Minnesota's major reservoirs—Upper Red Lake at Waskish, Lower Red Lake near Red Lake, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad—indicate water levels slightly below average for this period. The Upper Red Lake is currently measured at a gage height of 74 feet, a slight decrease from its average of 74.39 feet. Similarly, Lower Red Lake's water level stands at 74 feet, marginally below its average of 74.43 feet. Lake of the Woods at Warroad is observed at 58 feet, which is also lower than its average of 59.19 feet. These deviations, albeit small, suggest that these bodies of water are experiencing somewhat abnormal conditions for the season. The data for these conditions was last updated on March 26, 2025.

The modestly lower storage levels in these reservoirs might be associated with regional climate factors such as reduced snowpack or altered river flows. In the context of the broader regional climate, the Minnesota DNR has warned against increased spring wildfire dangers, indicative of drier conditions that could affect water input from snowmelt and rainfall. Although not directly linked, thunderstorms reported in neighboring regions such as Washington on March 26 could signal variable weather patterns that may eventually influence Minnesota's water systems. Furthermore, the implementation of burn bans in areas like Potter County, Texas, to combat wildfire risks mirrors concerns in Minnesota, suggesting a broader trend of environmental conditions that could impact reservoir levels. While the current deviations in reservoir levels are not drastic, continuous monitoring and cross-referencing with regional climate data will be essential to understand the implications of these abnormal conditions and their potential impact on water management and ecological health in Minnesota.

Reservoirs & Dams