Dry End to Spring
Water levels across the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) declined through most of May 2026, as abnormally dry conditions set in for the first time since December 2025, according to the U.S Drought Monitor. While May was largely dry, two rainfall events briefly elevated water levels.
The month’s most significant event produced nearly 2 inches of precipitation across the watershed from Sunday, May 17, through Tuesday, May 19. This caused Lake Minnetonka’s level to rise approximately 3 inches, peaking at 929.26 feet on May 19. Flows in Minnehaha Creek increased more than 100 cubic feet per second (cfs), hitting 133 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue on May 17.
Water levels gradually declined until a pop-up storm produced over half an inch of precipitation on Sunday, May 31. The highest rainfall totals were concentrated over the Lake, causing its level to rise approximately 1 inch and peak at 929.15 feet. With smaller rainfall totals in the lower watershed, Creek flow marginally increased to 36 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue. Water levels have since stabilized and subsided, with the Lake currently sitting at 929.15 feet and the Creek flowing at 27 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue.
Given recent dry conditions, Gray’s Bay Dam has discharged only the minimum rate allowed, based on water levels, throughout May. With minimal rainfall in the short-term forecast, dam discharge is currently 20 cfs, to provide flow to the Creek, while balancing evaporation rates on the Lake, in accordance with Zone 4 of the operating plan. MCWD will continue to evaluate water levels, along with short- and long-term precipitation forecasts, to determine discharge rates that align with the operating plan’s goals.
Also in this update
- 2026 Precipitation Trends and Forecasts
- Below-normal May rainfall led to abnormally dry conditions
- Current Water Levels
- Gray’s Bay Dam Operations
- Water Level Resources