NORTH-DAKOTA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

In North Dakota, current dam and reservoir observations indicate a largely stable hydrological situation with minor deviations from average storage levels. Dry Lake near Penn shows a gage height of 48 feet, slightly below its average of 50.22 feet. Similarly, Devils Lake near Devils Lake is at 48 feet, marginally below its average of 49.1 feet. Meanwhile, the East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus is nearly at its average gage height, standing at 27 feet compared to the average of 27.21 feet. The most significant deviation is reported for Homme Reservoir near Park River, where an abnormal data entry for precipitation levels indicates a potential sensor issue or data error. Lake Darling near Foxholm is nearly at its average level, with a current surface elevation of 1595 feet against an average of 1595.53 feet. These figures point to a consistency in reservoir levels, with most within a close range of their seasonal averages.

Despite these generally normal conditions, recent weather patterns hinted at by sources such as AOL.com, which mentions a big temperature drop and snow for the Thanksgiving period, could affect these water bodies. A significant temperature change can alter the rate of snowmelt, potentially impacting river flows and reservoir levels. The abnormal precipitation reading at Homme Reservoir may relate to this weather event or technical issues that require investigation. Cross-referencing with external data sources, like the North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award mentioned by AgUpdate, reinforces the focus on environmental conservation and management in the region. As North Dakota heads into winter, careful monitoring of snowpack and river flows will be essential to foresee any significant variations in reservoir storage levels and to ensure the state's water resources are effectively managed.

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.