NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 15, 2026

In North Dakota, the status of dams and reservoirs is closely monitored to ensure water storage levels are within expected ranges, which is critical for water supply and flood control. As of the latest observations on March 15, 2026, most reservoirs are near their average levels, although some variances are noted. For instance, Dry Lake near Penn is slightly below its average gage height of 50.2 feet, currently at 48 feet. Devils Lake near Devils Lake also shows a minimal decrease, sitting at 49 feet compared to the average of 49.09 feet. These differences are minor and do not indicate any immediate concerns. However, the significant anomaly in the dataset is the Homme Reservoir near Park River, which shows a current reading of -999999 for precipitation total, which is likely due to a data error or sensor malfunction, necessitating verification and correction to assess actual conditions.

Among the other reservoirs, the East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus is slightly above its average gage height of 27.22 feet, currently at 28 feet, indicating a potential increase in water inflow or reduced outflow. This could be related to local precipitation events or changes in upstream water management. Lake Darling near Foxholm is nearly at its average water surface elevation, with the current level at 1595 feet, just slightly below 1595.53 feet. Without additional context or cross-referenced data, it is difficult to pinpoint the causes of these anomalies, which could range from variations in snowpack melt, precipitation patterns, or river flows. It is essential to continuously monitor these measurements and compare them with historical data, watershed management practices, and meteorological forecasts to fully understand the dynamics affecting North Dakota's dams and reservoirs. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the data collection equipment are also crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of these observations.

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.