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South DakotaNatural lake, 5,250 acres, Watertown

Lake Kampeska water level

Lake Kampeska, South Dakota
Photo: Bp0, CC BY-SA 3.0

Current level

1,718.41ft NAVD88

Reading from Oct 26, 2026

Past 24 hours
+0.01ft
Past 7 days
0.00ft
Past 30 days
-0.16ft
Trend
Steady

Lake Kampeska was at 1,718.41 ft on October 26, holding steady over the past week (0.00 ft).

Last 30 days

1718.21718.41718.61718.8Sep 25Oct 10Oct 25

Recent daily readings

Lake Kampeska daily mean water level, newest first
DateLevel (ft NAVD88)Change
Oct 25, 20261,718.40-0.01
Oct 24, 20261,718.41+0.02
Oct 23, 20261,718.39-0.02
Oct 22, 20261,718.410.00
Oct 21, 20261,718.410.00
Oct 20, 20261,718.410.00
Oct 19, 20261,718.41-0.01
Oct 18, 20261,718.420.00
Oct 17, 20261,718.42-0.06
Oct 16, 20261,718.48-0.02
Oct 15, 20261,718.50+0.04
Oct 14, 20261,718.46-0.03
Oct 13, 20261,718.49-0.01
Oct 12, 20261,718.500.00

Reading these numbers

Readings are elevations in feet above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), the current national reference. Older dam documents often quote NGVD29 instead, which can differ by a few feet. See 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 1 miles from the center of the lake and is listed by USGS as Lake Kampeska at Water Plant at Watertown, SD. 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 Kampeska water level questions

What is the water level at Lake Kampeska today?

Lake Kampeska was at 1,718.41 ft on October 26, holding steady over the past week (0.00 ft).

Is Lake Kampeska rising or falling?

Over the last seven days the level has held roughly steady (0.00 ft), and it is -0.16 ft compared with 30 days ago.

Where does the Lake Kampeska water level data come from?

From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 06479449 (Lake Kampeska at Water Plant at Watertown, SD). 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 Kampeska is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.