MONTANA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Montana boasts a network of critical dams and reservoirs that are instrumental in water storage, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. As of the latest observations, there's a noteworthy deviation in Flathead Lake, the state's largest natural freshwater lake, situated at Polson MT. The lake's water surface elevation is typically at an average of 2889.51 feet, but recent measurements indicate it stands at 2892 feet, almost 2.5 feet above the norm. While this fluctuation might seem minor, it's significant for local ecosystems and water management. It’s crucial for local residents and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes as they can have implications on water supply, recreational activities, and flood risk management.

The atypical elevation noted in Flathead Lake could be attributed to a variety of factors, including atypical snowpack levels that feed into the lake, river flows, and regional precipitation patterns. Montana's snowpack can greatly influence reservoir levels, as it acts as a delayed water source that feeds into systems during melt-off periods. While the dataset provided does not include comparative snowpack levels or river flow data, this increase in Flathead Lake's elevation might suggest higher than average snowpack melting or unexpected inflow surges. Abnormal conditions in reservoirs can also impact the operational decisions for dam releases and water allocations downstream. Stakeholders and authorities must monitor these trends closely to mitigate potential adverse impacts on infrastructure, agriculture, and the environment. Cross-referencing with other data sources such as the US Geological Survey (USGS) water data, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hydrological forecasts, and local water management bulletins would provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and trends within Montana's reservoirs and dams.

Montana has many reservoirs and dams that provide water for irrigation, hydropower, and recreation. Some notable reservoirs include Fort Peck Lake on the Missouri River, Hungry Horse Reservoir on the Flathead River, and Lake Koocanusa on the Kootenai River. These reservoirs receive water from various streams, rivers, and creeks in the surrounding areas, with snowpack and mountain melt contributing significantly to the water supply. The general hydrology of Montana is influenced by its mountainous terrain, with the western part of the state having a wetter climate and the eastern part being more arid. Record levels have been observed in recent years due to heavy snowfall and precipitation, but the state has also experienced drought conditions in some areas. Seasonal trends show that spring and early summer are the wettest times of the year, while late summer and fall are typically drier. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in managing Montana's water resources and supporting various industries and recreational activities.

Montana has many reservoirs and dams that provide water for irrigation, hydropower, and recreation. Some notable reservoirs include Fort Peck Lake on the Missouri River, Hungry Horse Reservoir on the Flathead River, and Lake Koocanusa on the Kootenai River. These reservoirs receive water from various streams, rivers, and creeks in the surrounding areas, with snowpack and mountain melt contributing significantly to the water supply. The general hydrology of Montana is influenced by its mountainous terrain, with the western part of the state having a wetter climate and the eastern part being more arid. Record levels have been observed in recent years due to heavy snowfall and precipitation, but the state has also experienced drought conditions in some areas. Seasonal trends show that spring and early summer are the wettest times of the year, while late summer and fall are typically drier. Overall, reservoirs and dams play an important role in managing Montana's water resources and supporting various industries and recreational activities.