Lower-than-normal rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures over the past several weeks have pushed persistent drought and falling lake levels across a large swath of Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Much of north-central Minnesota is now experiencing what the agency calls “storage drought.” In years of significant drought, long-term water storage in lakes, soil and groundwater becomes depleted to a degree that typically takes years to reverse, even after individual heavy rain events.
“A few heavy rain events aren’t enough to pull an area out of storage drought,” DNR State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “Over the past four years, north-central Minnesota has received 12 to 16 inches below normal precipitation. So, it would take months of precipitation far above normal amounts to bring lake levels and soil moisture back to typical levels.”
While falling water levels can frustrate people who live on or recreate on lakes, DNR officials note that fluctuating levels are natural and serve an ecological purpose. Low water consolidates lake-bottom sediment and can stimulate aquatic plant growth, both of which benefit the broader ecosystem. Some aquatic plants that cannot germinate underwater rely on low-water periods to take root, providing habitat for fish and insects while helping reduce shoreline erosion. The DNR has more on the subject in a video explainer on lake ecosystems.
“Patience is important when these cycles affect human enjoyment of a lake,” DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager Randall Doneen said. “While many are eager to see lakes at levels more conducive to boating and other uses, people should refrain from activities such as manipulating lake level outlets or undertaking enhanced shoreline alterations during temporary low-level conditions.”
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map for Minnesota shows just how quickly conditions have deteriorated. As of July 28, severe drought covered nearly 35% of the state, up from about 17% just a week earlier. Another 41% of Minnesota was in moderate drought, and only about 5% of the state remained drought-free, according to the data. The map shows the most severe conditions concentrated across north-central Minnesota, aligning with the DNR’s “storage drought” designation for that region. Three months earlier, roughly 65% of the state had no drought conditions at all. The rapid shift echoes concerns as dry conditions continue to compound across multiple fronts.
The DNR is urging property owners to check with their local area hydrologist before undertaking any construction near low water. The agency regulates activity that occurs below the ordinary high water level, a threshold officials say can sit considerably farther up the bank than the current, drought-lowered waterline.
Lake levels and soil moisture depend on more than rainfall alone. Snowpack, groundwater levels, watershed conditions and evaporation all play a role, and storage drought is often worsened by increased water use for irrigation on crops, lawns and athletic fields.
“Times of drought remind us of the importance of water conservation. Water use increases as conditions become drier, and that can impact water supplies,” Doneen said. “We encourage all water users to be mindful of how much water they’re using, not just during drought but on an ongoing basis.”
The DNR is encouraging Minnesotans to compare their household water use to that of the average American home and to look for ways to cut back now and in the future.
A map of Minnesota watersheds, a link to the U.S. Drought Monitor and additional drought information are available on the DNR’s drought website, which also allows residents to sign up for drought-related alerts.
