North Dakota's dams and reservoirs are crucial to water conservation, flood control, and recreation. As of April 6, 2025, the latest observations suggest that most water storage levels in the state's major reservoirs appear to be within or close to their historical averages. For example, Dry Lake near Penn is currently at a gage height of 49 feet, which is just slightly below its average of 50.27 feet. Similarly, Devils Lake near Devils Lake is at a gage height of 49 feet, closely aligning with its average of 49.11 feet. East Branch Short Creek Reservoir near Columbus is also near its average, reporting a gage height of 26 feet against an average of 27.2 feet. The Lake Darling near Foxholm's water surface elevation is at 1595 feet, slightly below the average of 1595.53 feet. Homme Reservoir near Park River reports no significant change in precipitation, maintaining an average level of 0.02 inches.
These measurements indicate that, overall, North Dakota's reservoirs are maintaining stable conditions for this time of year. However, it is important to note that these conditions could be impacted by variable factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, and precipitation trends. The slight decreases in some water levels may suggest a drier season or reduced snowmelt, which could be a point of attention if the trend continues. It's essential to cross-reference these observations with data on snowpack and river flow trends to understand the broader hydrological context. The relatively stable conditions of these reservoirs are beneficial for water management and indicate that, currently, there are no major abnormalities in the observed reservoir levels. However, continuous monitoring is necessary to anticipate and manage the potential impacts of shifting weather patterns on water storage and supply.
Name | Year Built | Normal Storage | Dam Height | Max Discharge | Hazard Potential | Drainage Area |
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