Russell Lake Water Level
South Carolina · updated daily from the U.S. Geological Survey
473.32 ft
Russell Lake is below average for this time of year and steady (+0.02 ft in the last 7 days).
Change since yesterday: -0.11 ft
Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 21% of August readings on record
Where Russell Lake sits historically
Today's level compared with every reading in our 21.9-year record for this lake.
Since yesterday
-0.11 ft
7-day change
+0.02 ft
30-day change
-1.11 ft
1-year change
-0.52 ft
Last 30 days
Last 12 months
Full history (21.9 years)
Russell Lake records and averages
| Current level | 473.32 ft |
|---|---|
| Record high | 479.68 ft (2016-01-04) |
| Record low | 469.39 ft (2009-01-20) |
| Average of all readings | 474.03 ft |
| Data span | 21.9 years (7,853 readings) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Russell Lake full right now?
As of 2026-08-14, Russell Lake sits at 473.32 ft, which is below average for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 1.11 ft.
What is the water level at Russell Lake today?
The most recent reading is 473.32 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 Russell Lake has ever been?
The highest level in our records is 479.68 ft on 2016-01-04. The lowest is 469.39 ft on 2009-01-20. Our record covers about 21.9 years of readings.
Is Russell Lake low for this time of year?
Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 21% 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 Russell 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. Russell Lake has fallen 1.11 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Geological Survey directly.
How much has Russell Lake changed over the past year?
The level is -0.52 ft compared with this date last year (473.32 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 21.9 years, with a record high of 479.68 ft and a record low of 469.39 ft.
Nearby lakes in South Carolina
Source: the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All South Carolina lake levels.