WISCONSIN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

The latest observations from Wisconsin's reservoirs and dams indicate that several of these water bodies are experiencing lower than average gage heights, which could be indicative of potential concerns for water management in the region. As of January 2, 2026, Lake Winnebago, a significant water body in the state, recorded gage heights both at Oshkosh and near Stockbridge below the average at 2 feet, a minor but notable deviation from the average readings of 2.61 and 2.57 feet, respectively. Similarly, Devils Lake near Baraboo, Lake Mendota at Madison, Lake Monona at Madison, and Lake Waubesa at McFarland all show current gage heights below the seasonal average, suggesting a trend of decreased water levels across multiple locations.

Particularly, Devils Lake's reported gage height is at 7 feet, more than a foot below the average of 8.13 feet, while Lake Mendota and Lake Monona at Madison are down by 1.8 and 1.12 feet, respectively. Lake Waubesa's current gage height at 3 feet is significantly below the average of 4.94 feet. Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes seems to be faring better with a minimal decrease, standing at 80 feet compared to the average of 80.11 feet. The observed lower water levels across these major dams and reservoirs may be related to factors such as reduced snowpack, lower than normal river flows, or potentially increased water usage. These conditions highlight the need for careful monitoring and potentially revised water management strategies to mitigate any adverse effects on water supply, ecological balance, and recreational uses of these water bodies. Cross-referencing with additional data sources would be crucial to confirm these observations and to understand the broader implications of the current water levels in Wisconsin's dams and reservoirs.

Wisconsin has multiple reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities. The major reservoirs and dams in the state include Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, Castle Rock Lake, and Petenwell Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several rivers and creeks, such as the Wisconsin River, Fox River, Rock River, and Black River. The hydrology in the area is influenced by the snowpack in the northern mountains, particularly during the spring and summer months when snowmelt contributes to the streamflow. In recent years, Wisconsin has experienced both record high and low water levels due to changing climate patterns and extreme weather events. In 2021, drought conditions in the state led to lower than average water levels in some reservoirs and creeks. However, seasonal trends also play a role in water levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and early summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams remain an important component of the state's water infrastructure, and their management is critical in ensuring sustainable water use and management.

Wisconsin has multiple reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities. The major reservoirs and dams in the state include Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, Castle Rock Lake, and Petenwell Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several rivers and creeks, such as the Wisconsin River, Fox River, Rock River, and Black River. The hydrology in the area is influenced by the snowpack in the northern mountains, particularly during the spring and summer months when snowmelt contributes to the streamflow.

In recent years, Wisconsin has experienced both record high and low water levels due to changing climate patterns and extreme weather events. In 2021, drought conditions in the state led to lower than average water levels in some reservoirs and creeks. However, seasonal trends also play a role in water levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and early summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams remain an important component of the state's water infrastructure, and their management is critical in ensuring sustainable water use and management.