Merritt Reservoir Water Level

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

2937.52 ft

Merritt Reservoir is below average for this time of year and falling (-0.79 ft in the last 7 days).

Change since yesterday: +0.16 ft

Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 31% of August readings on record

Where Merritt Reservoir sits historically

TODAY 2937.52 ftRECORD LOW2930.04 ft2022-09-11RECORD HIGH2946.02 ft2025-06-17

Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.4-year record for this lake.

Since yesterday

+0.16 ft

7-day change

-0.79 ft

30-day change

-5.86 ft

1-year change

-3.39 ft

Last 30 days

2026-07-152936.5–2944.1 ft2026-08-14

Last 12 months

2025-08-142936.2–2946.9 ft2026-08-14

Full history (5.4 years)

2021-03-112928.1–2947.9 ft2026-08-13

Merritt Reservoir records and averages

Current level2937.52 ft
Record high2946.02 ft (2025-06-17)
Record low2930.04 ft (2022-09-11)
Average of all readings2943.08 ft
Data span5.4 years (2,000 readings)

Frequently asked questions

Is Merritt Reservoir full right now?

As of 2026-08-14, Merritt Reservoir sits at 2937.52 ft, which is below average for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 5.86 ft.

What is the water level at Merritt Reservoir today?

The most recent reading is 2937.52 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 Merritt Reservoir has ever been?

The highest level in our records is 2946.02 ft on 2025-06-17. The lowest is 2930.04 ft on 2022-09-11. Our record covers about 5.4 years of readings.

Is Merritt Reservoir low for this time of year?

Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 31% 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 Merritt 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. Merritt Reservoir has fallen 5.86 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 Merritt Reservoir changed over the past year?

The level is -3.39 ft compared with this date last year (2937.52 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.4 years, with a record high of 2946.02 ft and a record low of 2930.04 ft.

Nearby lakes in Nebraska

Calamus Reservoir and Virginia Smith water level
2236.58 ft · falling
Box Butte Reservoir water level
3985.78 ft · falling
Hugh Butler Lake and Red Willow water level
2564.97 ft · steady
Swanson Lake and Trenton water level
2736.68 ft · rising
Lake Minatare water level
4097.93 ft · steady
Little Lake Alice Reservoir water level
4132.18 ft · falling

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