ArkansasReservoir, 18,811 acres, Baxter County
Norfork Lake water level
Current level
552.10ft NGVD29
Reading from Oct 26, 2026
Near normal for October
- Past 24 hours
- -0.01ft
- Past 7 days
- -0.18ft
- Past 30 days
- -1.03ft
- vs typical October
- -1.01ft
Norfork Lake was at 552.10 ft on October 26, falling 0.18 ft over the past week. That is near normal for October: the typical October level is 553.11 ft, so the lake is 1.01 ft below 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 NGVD29) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2026 | 552.10 | -0.01 |
| Oct 25, 2026 | 552.11 | -0.01 |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 552.12 | -0.03 |
| Oct 23, 2026 | 552.15 | -0.03 |
| Oct 22, 2026 | 552.18 | -0.05 |
| Oct 21, 2026 | 552.23 | -0.02 |
| Oct 20, 2026 | 552.25 | -0.03 |
| Oct 19, 2026 | 552.28 | -0.03 |
| Oct 18, 2026 | 552.31 | -0.05 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | 552.36 | -0.05 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | 552.41 | -0.03 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 552.44 | -0.03 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 552.47 | -0.05 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | 552.52 | -0.04 |
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.
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 USACE as Norfork Dam - Headwater. 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.
Norfork Lake water level questions
What is the water level at Norfork Lake today?
Norfork Lake was at 552.10 ft on October 26, falling 0.18 ft over the past week. That is near normal for October: the typical October level is 553.11 ft, so the lake is 1.01 ft below its usual mark.
Is Norfork Lake high or low right now?
Compared with the long-term record for October, the lake is near normal. The October monthly average has ranged from 544.42 to 557.69 ft, with a typical value of 553.11 ft.
Is Norfork Lake rising or falling?
Over the last seven days the level has fallen (-0.18 ft), and it is -1.03 ft compared with 30 days ago.
Where does the Norfork Lake water level data come from?
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reading at Norfork Dam Headwater. 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 Norfork is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.