NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

In North Dakota, the data on dams and reservoirs as of the latest observations reveals that water storage levels are hovering close to their average measurements, with minor deviations that may be significant for local water management. Dry Lake near Penn, with a current gage height of 48 feet, shows a slight dip below its average of 50.22 feet, while Devils Lake near the town of the same name is also marginally below its average gage height of 49.1 feet, currently at 48 feet. Both of these measurements are indicative of a potential decrease in water input, possibly due to lower than expected snowpack melt or reduced river flows. Meanwhile, the Homme Reservoir near Park River has a current precipitation measurement that is unusable, marked as -999999, indicating a reporting error that necessitates cross-referencing with other data sources for accurate assessment.

Focusing on major reservoirs, Lake Darling near Foxholm is nearly at its average water surface elevation of 1595.53 feet, currently standing at 1595 feet, which suggests normal conditions for this time of year. The East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus also presents stable conditions with a gage height of 27 feet, just slightly below its average of 27.21 feet. As these reservoirs show minor fluctuations close to their average states, it's crucial to consider external factors such as recent weather patterns, historical data comparisons, and downstream water demands to fully understand the implications of the current levels. Moreover, the abnormal precipitation data for Homme Reservoir points to potential equipment malfunction or data recording issues, underlining the importance of data integrity in managing water resources effectively. To conclude, North Dakota's dams and reservoirs are currently experiencing relatively normal storage levels, with some minor exceptions that could be attributed to natural variations or data anomalies, and ongoing monitoring is required to ensure the reliability of the water management infrastructure.

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.