Skip to content
lakeglance

MinnesotaReservoir, Otter Tail County

Orwell Reservoir water level

Current level

64.33ft (gage datum)

Reading from Oct 26, 2026

Past 24 hours
+0.02ft
Past 7 days
+0.35ft
Past 30 days
+0.14ft
Trend
Rising

Orwell Reservoir was at 64.33 ft on the gage on October 26, rising 0.35 ft over the past week.

Last 30 days

64.064.5Sep 25Oct 10Oct 25

Recent daily readings

Orwell Reservoir daily mean water level, newest first
DateLevel (ft (gage datum))Change
Oct 25, 202664.31+0.03
Oct 24, 202664.28+0.03
Oct 23, 202664.25+0.05
Oct 22, 202664.20+0.12
Oct 21, 202664.08+0.05
Oct 20, 202664.03+0.05
Oct 19, 202663.98-0.12
Oct 18, 202664.10-0.12
Oct 17, 202664.22-0.08
Oct 16, 202664.30+0.07
Oct 15, 202664.23+0.02
Oct 14, 202664.21+0.15
Oct 13, 202664.06-0.02
Oct 12, 202664.08+0.03

Reading these numbers

This gauge reports gage height, measured against a local reference point at the station rather than sea level. The number is useful for tracking rises and drops, but it is not an elevation, so do not compare it with charts that list elevations above sea level.

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 listed by USGS as Orwell Lake at Orwell Dam near Fergus Falls, MN. 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.

Orwell Reservoir water level questions

What is the water level at Orwell Reservoir today?

Orwell Reservoir was at 64.33 ft on the gage on October 26, rising 0.35 ft over the past week.

Is Orwell Reservoir rising or falling?

Over the last seven days the level has risen (+0.35 ft), and it is +0.14 ft compared with 30 days ago.

Where does the Orwell Reservoir water level data come from?

From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 05045950 (Orwell Lake at Orwell Dam near Fergus Falls, MN). 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 Orwell is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.