NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

In the latest observations from North Dakota, dams and reservoirs are exhibiting varied conditions. Dry Lake near Penn has a gage height of 48 feet, slightly below its average of 50.21 feet, while Devils Lake near Devils Lake is also slightly down from its average, standing at 48 feet against an average of 49.1 feet. The East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus is almost at its average gage height, registering at 27 feet compared to the average of 27.21 feet. Lake Darling near Foxholm shows a water surface elevation of 1595 feet, marginally below its average of 1595.53 feet. However, the Homme Reservoir near Park River has an abnormal reading, recording a precipitation total at an erroneous value of -999999, which indicates a likely data error or sensor malfunction.

The observed lower storage levels in some reservoirs may be indicative of less than average snowpack or reduced river flows, potentially attributable to drier conditions in the preceding months. Dry Lake and Devils Lake's lower gage heights suggest that inflow has been less robust, which could affect water availability for agriculture and ecosystems unless levels normalize with spring thaws and precipitation. The near-average conditions at East Branch Short Creek Reservoir and Lake Darling suggest stability in those systems. However, the data discrepancy for the Homme Reservoir necessitates cross-referencing with other data sources or on-site verification to assess actual conditions. Overall, while most dams and reservoirs in North Dakota are close to their average levels, careful monitoring is required, especially in the face of the abnormal conditions recorded at Homme Reservoir, to ensure water management strategies can be promptly adjusted in response to any persistent discrepancies.

North Dakota has several major reservoirs, including Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, and Lake Ashtabula. Lake Sakakawea is the largest reservoir in the state and is fed by the Missouri River. Devils Lake is a closed basin and is fed by several smaller streams and rivers. Lake Ashtabula is also fed by the Sheyenne River. The hydrology in North Dakota is primarily influenced by the Missouri River and its tributaries, as well as precipitation events. Snowpack and mountains are not major factors in the state. In recent years, North Dakota has experienced several record-level floods, including those in 2011 and 2019. However, the state has also experienced periods of drought, which can impact reservoir levels and water availability for agriculture and other uses. Seasonal trends in streamflow typically follow a pattern of higher flows in the spring during snowmelt and lower flows in the summer and fall months.

North Dakota has several major reservoirs, including Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, and Lake Ashtabula. Lake Sakakawea is the largest reservoir in the state and is fed by the Missouri River. Devils Lake is a closed basin and is fed by several smaller streams and rivers. Lake Ashtabula is also fed by the Sheyenne River. The hydrology in North Dakota is primarily influenced by the Missouri River and its tributaries, as well as precipitation events. Snowpack and mountains are not major factors in the state. In recent years, North Dakota has experienced several record-level floods, including those in 2011 and 2019. However, the state has also experienced periods of drought, which can impact reservoir levels and water availability for agriculture and other uses. Seasonal trends in streamflow typically follow a pattern of higher flows in the spring during snowmelt and lower flows in the summer and fall months.