Lower Red Lake Water Level

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

73.83 ft

Lower Red Lake is low for this time of year and steady (+0.07 ft in the last 7 days).

Change since yesterday: +0.01 ft

Reading as of 2026-08-15 · higher than 17% of August readings on record

Where Lower Red Lake sits historically

TODAY 73.83 ftRECORD LOW72.91 ft2021-11-17RECORD HIGH76.27 ft2022-06-29

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

Since yesterday

+0.01 ft

7-day change

+0.07 ft

30-day change

-0.14 ft

1-year change

-0.57 ft

Last 30 days

2026-07-1673.5–74.0 ft2026-08-15

Last 12 months

2025-08-1573.4–74.7 ft2026-08-15

Full history (5.0 years)

2021-08-1672.8–76.6 ft2026-08-12

Lower Red Lake records and averages

Current level73.83 ft
Record high76.27 ft (2022-06-29)
Record low72.91 ft (2021-11-17)
Average of all readings74.39 ft
Data span5.0 years (1,819 readings)

Frequently asked questions

Is Lower Red Lake full right now?

As of 2026-08-15, Lower Red Lake sits at 73.83 ft, which is low for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 0.14 ft.

What is the water level at Lower Red Lake today?

The most recent reading is 73.83 ft (2026-08-15), sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.

What is the highest Lower Red Lake has ever been?

The highest level in our records is 76.27 ft on 2022-06-29. The lowest is 72.91 ft on 2021-11-17. Our record covers about 5.0 years of readings.

Is Lower Red Lake low for this time of year?

Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 17% of them — low 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 Lower Red 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. Lower Red Lake has fallen 0.14 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Geological Survey directly.

How much has Lower Red Lake changed over the past year?

The level is -0.57 ft compared with this date last year (73.83 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.0 years, with a record high of 76.27 ft and a record low of 72.91 ft.

Nearby lakes in Minnesota

Upper Red Lake water level
73.56 ft · falling
Lake Of The Woods water level
59.32 ft · steady
Leech Lake water level
94.23 ft · steady
Orwell Lake water level
64.25 ft · rising
Mille Lacs Lake water level
10.52 ft · steady
Lake Traverse water level
77.01 ft · falling

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