Current Level
--
Live Dam Camera
Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake • Big Stone County, Minnesota
Current Level
--
Last 24 Hours
--ft
Average water level over the last 24 hours. Click to view on chart.
Last 7 Days
--ft
Average water level over the last 7 days. Click to view on chart.
Last 30 Days
--ft
Average water level over the last 30 days. Click to view on chart.
Last 3 Months
--ft
Average water level over the last 3 months. Click to view on chart.
Last 6 Months
--ft
Average water level over the last 6 months. Click to view on chart.

Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only. For official water level information, contact the UMRWD at 320-839-3411.

All elevations shown in NAVD88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). View Elevation Conversion Chart →

Summer Target (Spring - Fall)

Normal operating range during the warm season

966.45 - 966.65 ft

Winter Target

Lowered to make room for spring snowmelt

965.45 - 965.45 ft

Water Level History

Flood Impact Levels

970.00 ft
Parks flooded along Big Stone Lake. Water reaches several homes on the Ortonville peninsula.
970.10 ft
Water reaches shoreline homes on Shady Oak Drive.
971.50 ft
40 to 60 structures affected, including homes on the Ortonville peninsula.
973.50 ft
Over 100 structures affected, including homes on the Ortonville peninsula.

Historic Crests

Recent Crests

971.20 ft (P) 04-16-2023
969.55 ft 04-01-2019
972.20 ft 03-20-2010
971.30 ft 04-14-2001
973.90 ft 04-07-1997

Highest on Record

973.90 ft 04-07-1997
972.20 ft 03-20-2010
971.30 ft 04-14-2001
971.20 ft (P) 04-16-2023
969.55 ft 04-01-2019

About This Data

Lake levels are measured by a radar sensor on Big Stone Lake (45.3092, -96.4681). To provide accurate readings even on windy days, we use a 5-minute averaging method.

The sensor takes 30 readings over 5 minutes. The highest and lowest 20% are removed to filter out wave peaks and troughs, then the remaining readings are averaged.

Wind can push water across the lake (seiche), causing levels to vary throughout the day. The chart shows a smoothed average line to filter out this effect and reveal the true water level trend. The dashed line shows the raw readings for comparison.

For questions about water levels or dam operations, contact the UMRWD at 320-839-3411

Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only. For official water level information, contact the UMRWD at 320-839-3411.

Flood Stage Thresholds Flooding is declared when water reaches these levels
Minor Flooding 970.00 ft
Moderate Flooding 971.50 ft
Major Flooding 973.50 ft

Related Stream Flow Data

MN River Stream Flow Near Ortonville, MN → Whetstone River Stream Flow Near Big Stone City, SD → Little Minnesota River Stream Flow Near Browns Valley, MN →

NOAA Probability Information

Weekly Chance of Exceeding Levels

Weekly Chance of Exceeding Levels

Chance of Exceeding Levels During Entire Period

Chance of Exceeding Levels (90 Day)

NOAA: Big Stone Lake Elevation → Visit UMRWD.org for More Information →
Live Dam Camera - Big Stone Lake
Image