IowaReservoir, 1,179 acres, Guthrie County
Lake Panorama water level
Current level
45.53ft (gage datum)
Reading from Oct 26, 2026
Above normal for October
- Past 24 hours
- 0.00ft
- Past 7 days
- -0.04ft
- Past 30 days
- -0.15ft
- vs typical October
- +0.14ft
Lake Panorama was at 45.53 ft on the gage on October 26, holding steady over the past week (-0.04 ft). That is above normal for October: the typical October level is 45.39 ft, so the lake is 0.14 ft above its usual mark.
Last 30 days
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.
Recent daily readings
| Date | Level (ft (gage datum)) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2026 | 45.53 | -0.02 |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 45.55 | +0.02 |
| Oct 23, 2026 | 45.53 | +0.01 |
| Oct 22, 2026 | 45.52 | -0.04 |
| Oct 21, 2026 | 45.56 | +0.01 |
| Oct 20, 2026 | 45.55 | -0.02 |
| Oct 19, 2026 | 45.57 | +0.03 |
| Oct 18, 2026 | 45.54 | -0.10 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | 45.64 | 0.00 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | 45.64 | +0.09 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 45.55 | +0.03 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 45.52 | 0.00 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | 45.52 | +0.04 |
| Oct 12, 2026 | 45.48 | -0.02 |
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 Lake Panorama at Panora, IA. 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 Panorama water level questions
What is the water level at Lake Panorama today?
Lake Panorama was at 45.53 ft on the gage on October 26, holding steady over the past week (-0.04 ft). That is above normal for October: the typical October level is 45.39 ft, so the lake is 0.14 ft above its usual mark.
Is Lake Panorama high or low right now?
Compared with the long-term record for October, the lake is above normal. The October monthly average has ranged from 41.47 to 45.61 ft, with a typical value of 45.39 ft.
Is Lake Panorama rising or falling?
Over the last seven days the level has held roughly steady (-0.04 ft), and it is -0.15 ft compared with 30 days ago.
Where does the Lake Panorama water level data come from?
From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 05483470 (Lake Panorama at Panora, IA). 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 Panorama is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.