Black Hawk Lake Water Level

Iowa · updated daily from the U.S. Geological Survey

7.62 ft

Black Hawk Lake is above average for this time of year and rising (+0.25 ft in the last 7 days).

Change since yesterday: +0.12 ft

Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 79% of August readings on record

Where Black Hawk Lake sits historically

TODAY 7.62 ftRECORD LOW5.79 ft2023-12-15RECORD HIGH8.09 ft2025-08-10

Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.0-year record for this lake.

Since yesterday

+0.12 ft

7-day change

+0.25 ft

30-day change

+0.02 ft

1-year change

-0.37 ft

Last 30 days

2026-07-157.3–7.7 ft2026-08-14

Last 12 months

2025-08-147.3–8.2 ft2026-08-14

Full history (5.0 years)

2021-08-165.5–8.4 ft2026-08-11

Black Hawk Lake records and averages

Current level7.62 ft
Record high8.09 ft (2025-08-10)
Record low5.79 ft (2023-12-15)
Average of all readings6.92 ft
Data span5.0 years (1,824 readings)

Frequently asked questions

Is Black Hawk Lake full right now?

As of 2026-08-14, Black Hawk Lake sits at 7.62 ft, which is above average for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has risen 0.02 ft.

What is the water level at Black Hawk Lake today?

The most recent reading is 7.62 ft (2026-08-14), sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.

What is the highest Black Hawk Lake has ever been?

The highest level in our records is 8.09 ft on 2025-08-10. The lowest is 5.79 ft on 2023-12-15. Our record covers about 5.0 years of readings.

Is Black Hawk Lake low for this time of year?

Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 79% of them — above average for this time of year. Seasonal comparison matters more than the raw number, because most reservoirs draw down predictably through late summer and refill over winter and spring.

Why is Black Hawk Lake changing right now?

Reservoir levels move for four main reasons: rainfall and runoff into the basin, releases through the dam for downstream water supply, power generation or flood control, evaporation during hot months, and seasonal drawdown schedules set by the operating agency. Black Hawk Lake has risen 0.02 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Geological Survey directly.

How much has Black Hawk Lake changed over the past year?

The level is -0.37 ft compared with this date last year (7.62 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.0 years, with a record high of 8.09 ft and a record low of 5.79 ft.

Nearby lakes in Iowa

Storm Lake water level
13.46 ft · rising
Lake Panorama water level
45.61 ft · rising
West Okoboji Lake water level
4.16 ft · steady
Spirit Lake water level
14.23 ft · steady
Clear Lake water level
4.75 ft · steady
Rathbun Lake water level
905.73 ft · steady

Source: the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All Iowa lake levels.