Box Butte Reservoir Water Level
Nebraska · updated daily from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
3985.78 ft
Box Butte Reservoir is low for this time of year and falling (-0.95 ft in the last 7 days).
Change since yesterday: +0.64 ft
Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 3% of August readings on record
Where Box Butte Reservoir sits historically
Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.1-year record for this lake.
Since yesterday
+0.64 ft
7-day change
-0.95 ft
30-day change
-6.38 ft
1-year change
-4.21 ft
Last 30 days
Last 12 months
Full history (5.1 years)
Box Butte Reservoir records and averages
| Current level | 3985.78 ft |
|---|---|
| Record high | 4002.45 ft (2021-06-21) |
| Record low | 3985.14 ft (2026-08-12) |
| Average of all readings | 3993.23 ft |
| Data span | 5.1 years (2,000 readings) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Box Butte Reservoir full right now?
As of 2026-08-14, Box Butte Reservoir sits at 3985.78 ft, which is low for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 6.38 ft.
What is the water level at Box Butte Reservoir today?
The most recent reading is 3985.78 ft (2026-08-14), sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.
What is the highest Box Butte Reservoir has ever been?
The highest level in our records is 4002.45 ft on 2021-06-21. The lowest is 3985.14 ft on 2026-08-12. Our record covers about 5.1 years of readings.
Is Box Butte Reservoir low for this time of year?
Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 3% 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 Box Butte Reservoir low 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. Box Butte Reservoir has fallen 6.38 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directly.
How much has Box Butte Reservoir changed over the past year?
The level is -4.21 ft compared with this date last year (3985.78 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.1 years, with a record high of 4002.45 ft and a record low of 3985.14 ft.
Nearby lakes in Nebraska
Source: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All Nebraska lake levels.