WISCONSIN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

In Wisconsin, the latest observations of major dams and reservoirs indicate that several water bodies are recording lower water levels than their seasonal averages, which could be a point of concern for water management and environmental stability in the region. Specifically, Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh and near Stockbridge, Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes, Devils Lake near Baraboo, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona at Madison, and Lake Waubesa at McFarland have shown reductions in gage heights, with current levels trailing behind the average readings for this time of year. These deviations from average levels might signal potential issues with water supply or ecological impacts if the trends continue.

The reservoir data reveals that Lake Winnebago's current gage heights at Oshkosh and Stockbridge are 0.61 ft and 0.57 ft below their respective averages. Lac Vieux Desert is experiencing a more significant drop, with a current gage height of 79 ft, which is 1.11 ft below average. Similarly, Devils Lake's level is 1.13 ft less than its average. In Madison, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona are facing deficits of 1.8 ft and 2.12 ft, respectively, while Lake Waubesa at McFarland also shows a lower gage height by 1.94 ft. The consistency in reduced gage heights across these water bodies suggests that the region might be experiencing lower than normal precipitation or runoff, possibly due to insufficient snowpack or reduced river flows. These abnormal conditions require close monitoring as they may affect water availability for municipal use, agriculture, and local ecosystems, and could also be indicative of broader climatic trends affecting the Wisconsin area. Cross-referencing with other data sources is necessary to confirm these observations and to help in formulating a response strategy to manage the lower reservoir levels.

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.