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lakeglance

MinnesotaNatural lake, 6,335 acres, Aitkin County

Big Sandy Lake water level

Big Sandy Lake, Minnesota
Photo: Jakes19, CC BY 2.5

Current level

1,215.96ft NGVD29

Reading from Oct 26, 2026

Below normal for October

Past 24 hours
-0.02ft
Past 7 days
-0.02ft
Past 30 days
-0.08ft
vs typical October
-0.15ft

Big Sandy Lake was at 1,215.96 ft on October 26, holding steady over the past week (-0.02 ft). That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 1,216.11 ft, so the lake is 0.15 ft below its usual mark.

Last 30 days

1215.81216.01216.21216.4typicalSep 26Oct 11Oct 26

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.

12161218JFMAMJJASOND

Recent daily readings

Big Sandy Lake daily mean water level, newest first
DateLevel (ft NGVD29)Change
Oct 26, 20261,215.97-0.01
Oct 25, 20261,215.98-0.01
Oct 24, 20261,215.99+0.01
Oct 23, 20261,215.98+0.01
Oct 22, 20261,215.97-0.01
Oct 21, 20261,215.980.00
Oct 20, 20261,215.980.00
Oct 19, 20261,215.98-0.02
Oct 18, 20261,216.00-0.01
Oct 17, 20261,216.01+0.02
Oct 16, 20261,215.99-0.01
Oct 15, 20261,216.000.00
Oct 14, 20261,216.00-0.01
Oct 13, 20261,216.010.00

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 USACE as Big Sandy Lake Dam. 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.

Big Sandy Lake water level questions

What is the water level at Big Sandy Lake today?

Big Sandy Lake was at 1,215.96 ft on October 26, holding steady over the past week (-0.02 ft). That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 1,216.11 ft, so the lake is 0.15 ft below its usual mark.

Is Big Sandy Lake high or low right now?

Compared with the long-term record for October, the lake is below normal. The October monthly average has ranged from 1,215.57 to 1,216.46 ft, with a typical value of 1,216.11 ft.

Is Big Sandy Lake rising or falling?

Over the last seven days the level has held roughly steady (-0.02 ft), and it is -0.08 ft compared with 30 days ago.

Where does the Big Sandy Lake water level data come from?

From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reading at Big Sandy Lake Dam. The Corps reports pool elevation, usually every hour, and early values can be revised after review.

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 Corps of Engineers each time you open it.

Nearby lakes

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