WisconsinNatural lake, 9,736 acres, Dane County
Lake Mendota water level
Current level
849.75ft NGVD29
Reading from Oct 26, 2026
- Past 24 hours
- 0.00ft
- Past 7 days
- -0.10ft
- Past 30 days
- -0.32ft
- Trend
- Falling
Lake Mendota was at 849.75 ft on October 26, falling 0.10 ft over the past week.
Last 30 days
Recent daily readings
| Date | Level (ft NGVD29) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2026 | 849.75 | 0.00 |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 849.75 | -0.01 |
| Oct 23, 2026 | 849.76 | -0.02 |
| Oct 22, 2026 | 849.78 | -0.03 |
| Oct 21, 2026 | 849.81 | -0.02 |
| Oct 20, 2026 | 849.83 | -0.02 |
| Oct 19, 2026 | 849.85 | -0.02 |
| Oct 18, 2026 | 849.87 | -0.06 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | 849.93 | -0.06 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | 849.99 | +0.02 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 849.97 | -0.01 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 849.98 | -0.03 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | 850.01 | -0.02 |
| Oct 12, 2026 | 850.03 | -0.03 |
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.
Natural lake levels usually move slowly, following rain, snowmelt and evaporation. A rise after a wet week can flood low docks and beaches, while late-summer lows expose rocks and weed beds near shore.
The gauge is about 3 miles from the center of the lake and is listed by USGS as Lake Mendota at Madison, WI. 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 Mendota water level questions
What is the water level at Lake Mendota today?
Lake Mendota was at 849.75 ft on October 26, falling 0.10 ft over the past week.
Is Lake Mendota rising or falling?
Over the last seven days the level has fallen (-0.10 ft), and it is -0.32 ft compared with 30 days ago.
Where does the Lake Mendota water level data come from?
From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 05428000 (Lake Mendota at Madison, WI). 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 Mendota is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.