WashingtonReservoir, 11,700 acres, Whatcom County
Ross Lake water level
Current level
1,573.10ft (gage datum)
Reading from Oct 26, 2026
Below normal for October
- Past 24 hours
- -0.61ft
- Past 7 days
- -3.80ft
- Past 30 days
- -13.44ft
- vs typical October
- -7.69ft
Ross Lake was at 1,573.10 ft on the gage on October 26, falling 3.80 ft over the past week. That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 1,580.79 ft, so the lake is 7.69 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 (gage datum)) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2026 | 1,573.71 | -0.21 |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 1,573.92 | -0.46 |
| Oct 23, 2026 | 1,574.38 | -0.53 |
| Oct 22, 2026 | 1,574.91 | -0.62 |
| Oct 21, 2026 | 1,575.53 | -0.63 |
| Oct 20, 2026 | 1,576.16 | -0.74 |
| Oct 19, 2026 | 1,576.90 | -0.61 |
| Oct 18, 2026 | 1,577.51 | -0.34 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | 1,577.85 | -0.42 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | 1,578.27 | -0.56 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 1,578.83 | -0.69 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 1,579.52 | -0.62 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | 1,580.14 | -0.50 |
| Oct 12, 2026 | 1,580.64 | -0.49 |
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 about 6 miles from the center of the lake and is listed by USGS as Ross Reservoir near Newhalem, WA. 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.
Ross Lake water level questions
What is the water level at Ross Lake today?
Ross Lake was at 1,573.10 ft on the gage on October 26, falling 3.80 ft over the past week. That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 1,580.79 ft, so the lake is 7.69 ft below its usual mark.
Is Ross 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 1,556.59 to 1,592.36 ft, with a typical value of 1,580.79 ft.
Is Ross Lake rising or falling?
Over the last seven days the level has fallen (-3.80 ft), and it is -13.44 ft compared with 30 days ago.
Where does the Ross Lake water level data come from?
From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 12175000 (Ross Reservoir near Newhalem, WA). 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 Ross is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.