NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 22, 2026

In North Dakota, the status of major dams and reservoirs is a critical indicator of regional water resource management, especially considering potential impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and local communities. As of the latest observations on February 22, 2026, there are noticeable variations in water storage levels among these structures when compared to historical averages. For example, Dry Lake near Penn shows a gage height of 48 feet, slightly below its average of 50.2 feet, while Devils Lake near Devils Lake is nearly at its average gage height of 49.1 feet. East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus is also just below its average of 27.22 feet, with a current gage height of 27 feet. However, Homme Reservoir near Park River presents an abnormal reporting of precipitation at -999999 inches, which indicates a possible error in data transmission or sensor malfunction. Lastly, Lake Darling near Foxholm is close to its average elevation of 1595.53 feet, currently at 1595 feet, suggesting stable conditions there.

The slight decreases in gage heights at Dry Lake and East Branch Short Creek Reservoir, juxtaposed with the stable conditions at Devils Lake and Lake Darling, point towards a mixed hydrological situation that may relate to variations in snowpack levels, river flows, or local precipitation trends. The abnormal precipitation data for Homme Reservoir necessitates further investigation to ensure accurate monitoring. These discrepancies in water levels at different locations could have implications for water supply, agricultural planning, and flood risk management. Notably, deviations from average storage levels during this period may also influence fish and wildlife habitats, recreational activities, and overall ecosystem health in the region. It's important for local authorities and stakeholders to monitor these conditions closely, cross-referencing with multiple data sources to confirm trends and prepare for any necessary response measures.

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.