Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow Water Level

Nebraska · updated daily from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

2564.97 ft

Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow is below average for this time of year and steady (-0.10 ft in the last 7 days).

Change since yesterday: +0.00 ft

Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 35% of August readings on record

Where Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow sits historically

TODAY 2564.97 ftRECORD LOW2559.87 ft2022-10-18RECORD HIGH2572.03 ft2021-06-03

Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.5-year record for this lake.

Since yesterday

+0.00 ft

7-day change

-0.10 ft

30-day change

-0.73 ft

1-year change

-0.36 ft

Last 30 days

2026-07-152564.9–2565.8 ft2026-08-14

Last 12 months

2025-08-142564.8–2566.3 ft2026-08-14

Full history (5.5 years)

2021-02-222558.4–2573.5 ft2026-08-13

Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow records and averages

Current level2564.97 ft
Record high2572.03 ft (2021-06-03)
Record low2559.87 ft (2022-10-18)
Average of all readings2565.63 ft
Data span5.5 years (2,000 readings)

Frequently asked questions

Is Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow full right now?

As of 2026-08-14, Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow sits at 2564.97 ft, which is below average for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 0.73 ft.

What is the water level at Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow today?

The most recent reading is 2564.97 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 Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow has ever been?

The highest level in our records is 2572.03 ft on 2021-06-03. The lowest is 2559.87 ft on 2022-10-18. Our record covers about 5.5 years of readings.

Is Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow low for this time of year?

Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 35% of them — below 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 Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow 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. Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow has fallen 0.73 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 Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow changed over the past year?

The level is -0.36 ft compared with this date last year (2564.97 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.5 years, with a record high of 2572.03 ft and a record low of 2559.87 ft.

Nearby lakes in Nebraska

Swanson Lake and Trenton water level
2736.68 ft · rising
Harlan County Lake water level
1933.74 ft · falling
Calamus Reservoir and Virginia Smith water level
2236.58 ft · falling
Merritt Reservoir water level
2937.52 ft · falling
Box Butte Reservoir water level
3985.78 ft · falling
Lake Minatare water level
4097.93 ft · steady

Source: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All Nebraska lake levels.