Flathead Lake Remains Near Full Pool to Begin 2026
Unseasonably warm and rainy conditions in November and December 2025 combined with flooding taking place downstream in the Columbia River Basin led to high inflows to Flathead Lake. In order to prevent further flooding, Energy Keepers Inc. worked with other dam operators in the watershed to hold back water and protect communities downstream. If conditions permit, EKI, expects to see lake levels drop rapidly in early 2026.
From Energy Keepers Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flathead Lake Water Levels
We recognize the importance of Flathead Lake to residents, communities, and the Tribal Nation. Energy Keepers Inc. (EKI) remains committed to transparent communication, responsible water management, and ongoing coordination with federal partners to protect public safety and downstream communities.
Q. I looked at the Flathead River and Flathead Lake and the water looks high. Is that normal for December?
A. No. As of January 1, 2026, Flathead Lake was just 0.2 inches below full pool (2893 feet). Normally, the lake is five to six feet lower at this time of year. This winter has brought highly unusual conditions across the entire Columbia River system.
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Q. Why is the lake so high?
A. December brought record-setting “atmospheric river” events to the region. The Flathead Basin received about 238 percent of normal precipitation (9.41 inches), much of it falling as rain on existing snow. That rain-on-snow effect drove inflows into Flathead Lake to roughly 300 percent of normal.
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Q. So how does Energy Keepers, Inc. respond when this happens?
A. EKI, like previous operators, works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and other Columbia Basin storage facilities. A major part of that responsibility is helping manage flood risk throughout the basin.
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Q. What did coordination look like this December?
A. Conditions were extreme across the Columbia Basin. To help prevent downstream flooding, including near the Port of Vancouver, federal water managers and hydro operators used available storage space across multiple reservoirs—including Flathead Lake—to hold back water. This basin-wide strategy helped keep the Columbia River just below flood stage.
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Q. What are normal lake levels in December?
A. Typically, Flathead Lake is about five feet below full pool by late December. This year was different. Because so much precipitation fell as warm rain rather than snow, elevations that normally store water as snowpack instead sent runoff directly into rivers and lakes.
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Q. I’ve seen claims online that the dam is being mismanaged by inexperienced operators. Is that true?
A. No. EKI employs a highly experienced operations team with decades of hydropower, engineering, and water-management expertise. Our work is guided by federal license requirements, real-time data, conservative safety protocols, and coordination with federal water managers. Public safety and responsible stewardship are our highest priorities.
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Q. Has EKI kept up with maintenance?
A. Yes. Over the past ten years, more than $60 million has been invested in system upgrades and modernization. The facility is well-maintained and operating reliably.
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Q. I’m worried a sudden freeze will damage my dock. What should I do?
A. We understand these concerns. Flood-risk management actions taken across the basin have helped prevent major downstream flooding. Lake levels are now beginning to decline, and we will continue monitoring conditions closely. Property owners should follow their normal winter precautions and consult with local marine service providers if concerned.
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Q. Will the lake still be drawn down to around 2883 feet by mid-April as usual?
A. Based on conditions today, yes. We expect Flathead Lake to follow its typical seasonal pattern and reach approximately 2883 feet by April. However, as always, our team continually evaluates weather and runoff forecasts and will adjust operations as conditions change.
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Q. Does heavy rain really make that much difference compared to snowfall?
A. Yes. When unusually warm, heavy rain falls on snow at lower elevations, runoff increases quickly. That is what happened in December.
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Q. What should we expect over the next few months?
A. Forecasts now indicate a shift toward below-normal precipitation across the West. Federal water managers and operators, including EKI, have begun gradually drafting reservoirs to create storage capacity for spring runoff. Flathead Lake will likely reach its seasonal low point by late March before beginning the normal refill cycle.