NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Dakota's network of dams and reservoirs is essential for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. Recent observations reveal that most facilities are operating within normal parameters for this time of year. For instance, the gage height at Dry Lake near Penn and Devils Lake near Devils Lake are both just slightly below their average levels, with current readings at 48 feet, compared to the averages of 50.22 and 49.1 feet, respectively. Lake Darling near Foxholm is also near its typical water surface elevation, sitting at 1595 feet against an average of 1595.53 feet. East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus presents a minor deviation, with a gage height of 27 feet against the average of 27.21 feet.

However, an anomaly is noted at Homme Reservoir near Park River, where the precipitation measurement is an outlier with a current reading of -999999, which seems to be a data error given its ordinary average of 0.01 inches. This discrepancy suggests a need for verification or sensor calibration. In terms of abnormal conditions, none of the major dams and reservoirs exhibit significant deviations that might indicate concerns with snowpack levels or river flows at this point. It's important to compare these observations with additional data sources for verification, but the lack of available source data at the time of this report limits the ability to cross-reference. Based on the information provided, the water management infrastructure in North Dakota is generally stable, though the reported error for Homme Reservoir requires attention to ensure accurate monitoring and assessment of reservoir conditions.

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.