Dry Conditions Persist
Water levels across the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) gradually declined through most of July 2026, as the region received minimal precipitation for a majority of the month. Two significant rainfall events briefly elevated water levels; however, by the end of July, moderate drought conditions set in for the first time since October 2024, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Water levels peaked in the first week of July as the watershed received 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall during a round of storms from July 4-8. Lake Minnetonka’s level rose approximately 1 inch, reaching 929.26 feet on July 7 with received rainfall and subsequent inflows from the upper tributaries. Flows in Minnehaha Creek increased more than 100 cubic feet per second (cfs), reaching 163 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue on July 5.
Three weeks of dry and hot conditions followed, increasing evaporation rates and causing water levels to decline until July 31, when the watershed again received 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall. This caused the Lake level to rise approximately 2 inches, reaching 928.96 feet. Creek flow increased more than 40 cfs, hitting 53 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue. Water levels have since subsided, with the Lake currently sitting at 928.87 feet and the Creek flowing at 10 cfs at Hiawatha Avenue.
Given the dry conditions, Gray’s Bay Dam discharged the minimum rate allowed, based on water levels, throughout July. With limited precipitation in the short-term forecast, dam discharge is currently 12 cfs, to provide base flow to the Creek, while balancing evaporation rates on the Lake, in accordance with Zone 5 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 plan’s goals.
Also in this update
- 2026 Precipitation Trends and Forecasts
- Below-Normal Rainfall and High Temps Led to Moderate Drought
- Current Water Levels
- Gray’s Bay Dam Operations
- Water Level Resources