LAKE MENDOTA AT MADISON
Reservoir Levels • Weather • Hydrology
Lake Mendota is a glacial lake located in Madison, Wisconsin with a surface area of 9,842 acres. The lake is over 450ft deep and is a popular location for fishing, ice skating, and water sports. The lake's hydrology is heavily influenced by precipitation, snowpack, and surface run-off from the surrounding land, which is primarily agricultural. The Yahara River is the primary surface flow provider and is responsible for over 90% of the water entering the lake. The lake has a rich history, with Native American tribes inhabiting the area for thousands of years before European settlement. In the early 20th century, the lake was heavily polluted, but efforts to reduce agricultural runoff and sewage have improved its water quality. Lake Mendota remains an important resource for fishing, recreation, and research in Wisconsin.
July 26, 2024
°F
°F
mph
Windspeed
%
Humidity
| Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change | -0.43% |
| Percent of Normal | 109% |
| Minimum |
7.32 ft
2024-01-14 |
| Maximum |
12.36 ft
2008-06-16 |
| Average | 11 ft |
| Dam_Height | 16 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 5 |
| Drainage_Area | 254 |
| Years_Modified | 1959 - Other |
| Year_Completed | 1849 |
| Nid_Storage | 160000 |
| River_Or_Stream | YAHARA RIVER |
| Structural_Height | 16 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Other |
| Surface_Area | 9730 |
| Dam_Length | 100 |
| Hazard_Potential | High |
| Length_Of_Locks | 102 |
| Nid_Height | 16 |
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