SNOFLO


       
       

WISCONSIN RESERVOIR LEVELS

April 4 2025
       

Recent reports on Wisconsin's dams and reservoirs indicate that storage levels show minor deviations from average readings, as highlighted by the latest observations. Lake Winnebago, both at Oshkosh and near Stockbridge, has gage heights slightly lower than average, at 2 feet compared to the typical 2.61 and 2.56 feet, respectively. Similarly, other water bodies such as Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes, Devils Lake near Baraboo, Lake Mendota at Madison, and Lake Waubesa at Mc Farland are experiencing gage heights marginally below their average marks. Lake Monona at Madison notably shows a gage height of 4 feet against an average of 5.12 feet. These discrepancies are not necessarily drastic but could indicate an emerging trend in water levels across the state's water infrastructure.

Analyzing the data alongside regional news sources reveals potential underlying factors for these observations. Wisconsin utilities report excellent water quality but have experienced poorer financial conditions, which might affect maintenance and management of water infrastructure. Furthermore, record water usage for irrigation was reported in 2023, possibly contributing to lowered reservoir levels. Although the state is not within the same climactic zone as Colorado, where significant snowpack deficiencies were reported, Wisconsin's agricultural demands and regional weather patterns may still contribute to the modest reductions in reservoir and lake levels observed. These conditions warrant attention to ensure water management practices are sustainable and can adapt to any long-term shifts in water availability or precipitation patterns.

Reservoirs & Dams