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CaliforniaReservoir, 2,985 acres

Lake Nacimiento water level

Lake Nacimiento, California
Photo: Thomson200, CC0

Current level

741.77ft NGVD29

Reading from Oct 25, 2026

Near normal for October

Past 24 hours
-0.05ft
Past 7 days
-0.24ft
Past 30 days
-2.58ft
vs typical October
-3.84ft

Lake Nacimiento was at 741.77 ft on October 25, falling 0.24 ft over the past week. That is near normal for October: the typical October level is 745.61 ft, so the lake is 3.84 ft below its usual mark.

Last 30 days

742744746typicalSep 24Oct 9Oct 24

Shaded band shows the lowest and highest October monthly averages on record. Dashed line is the typical October level.

Typical level through the year

Each bar spans the range of monthly averages on record for that month. The line marks the median. The orange dot is where the lake sits now.

700750800JFMAMJJASOND

Recent daily readings

Lake Nacimiento daily mean water level, newest first
DateLevel (ft NGVD29)Change
Oct 24, 2026741.82-0.05
Oct 23, 2026741.87-0.06
Oct 22, 2026741.93+0.02
Oct 21, 2026741.91-0.04
Oct 20, 2026741.95-0.06
Oct 19, 2026742.01-0.06
Oct 18, 2026742.07-0.06
Oct 17, 2026742.13-0.06
Oct 16, 2026742.19-0.06
Oct 15, 2026742.25-0.06
Oct 14, 2026742.31-0.06
Oct 13, 2026742.37-0.06
Oct 12, 2026742.43-0.06
Oct 11, 2026742.49-0.06

Reading these numbers

Readings are elevations in feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29), the reference most older dam and lake charts use. If you compare with a newer chart in NAVD88, expect a difference of a few feet. Our glossary explains NGVD29 vs NAVD88.

Reservoir levels are managed. Operators lower them ahead of flood season, hold them for summer recreation, and draw them down for dam work. When the lake falls well below its usual level, shallow points and stumps start showing up in places that are normally safe.

High water brings its own problems: floating debris after storms, flooded docks and courtesy piers, and no-wake rules near flooded campgrounds. A quick look at the trend before you hitch up saves a wasted trip.

The gauge is about 4 miles from the center of the lake and is listed by USGS as Nacimiento Reservoir near Bradley CA. Wind can pile water up at one end of a big lake for a few hours, so short spikes on a windy day are normal.

Lake Nacimiento water level questions

What is the water level at Lake Nacimiento today?

Lake Nacimiento was at 741.77 ft on October 25, falling 0.24 ft over the past week. That is near normal for October: the typical October level is 745.61 ft, so the lake is 3.84 ft below its usual mark.

Is Lake Nacimiento high or low right now?

Compared with the long-term record for October, the lake is near normal. The October monthly average has ranged from 704.13 to 768.60 ft, with a typical value of 745.61 ft.

Is Lake Nacimiento rising or falling?

Over the last seven days the level has fallen (-0.24 ft), and it is -2.58 ft compared with 30 days ago.

Where does the Lake Nacimiento water level data come from?

From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 11149300 (Nacimiento Reservoir near Bradley CA). USGS publishes provisional readings every 15 to 60 minutes; they can be revised later after quality checks.

How often is this page updated?

The page itself is rebuilt every day with the latest daily values, and the current reading refreshes straight from the USGS each time you open it.

Nearby lakes

If Nacimiento is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.