NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

North Dakota's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water storage, flood control, and ecosystem management across the state. Based on the latest observations, most storage levels are hovering close to their average marks, indicating stable conditions for this time of year. For instance, DRY LAKE NEAR PENN and DEVILS LAKE NR DEVILS LAKE are recording gage heights slightly below average at 48 ft compared to the usual 50.22 ft and 49.1 ft, respectively. Meanwhile, EAST BRANCH SHORT CREEK RES NR COLUMBUS is almost on par with its average gage height of 27.21 ft, currently at 27 ft. LAKE DARLING NEAR FOXHOLM is similarly near its average water surface elevation, with a current measurement of 1595 ft against an average of 1595.53 ft. However, HOMME RESERVOIR NR PARK RIVER reports an abnormal reading for precipitation total with a value of -999999, indicating a possible error in data recording or transmission.

Such anomalies in the dataset, as seen with HOMME RESERVOIR, require cross-referencing with additional data sources to ascertain actual conditions. The negligible deviation from average water levels in most of the reservoirs suggests that, aside from potential data errors, the state’s dam infrastructure is not currently experiencing abnormal conditions. Nonetheless, this stability might change with varying factors like snowpack levels and river flows as seasons transition. For instance, lower than average snowpack could lead to reduced inflow into the reservoirs, while an unexpected surge in river flows could challenge dam operations, especially in managing flood risks. Continuous monitoring and updates from multiple sources are essential for maintaining an accurate picture of the health and status of North Dakota's water storage systems.

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.