Lake McConaughy Water Level
Nebraska · North Platte River
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Water level history
About Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy is a reservoir on the North Platte River in Nebraska, operated by Central Nebraska PPID. It's Nebraska's largest reservoir, nicknamed “Big Mac.” Its full summer pool sits at 3265 ft above sea level. Live water levels come from the NOAA National Water Prediction Service gauge at the dam and update hourly.
Understanding Lake McConaughy's water level
"Full pool" is the elevation Central Nebraska PPID targets when Lake McConaughy is completely filled — 3265 feet above sea level. Lake McConaughy is a generation pool: Central Nebraska PPID runs it to a licensed operating band around 3265 ft rather than keeping deep flood storage above it. That means the level answers to the day's generation schedule and to how much water is coming down the river, so it can move noticeably between morning and evening and still be exactly where it is supposed to be.
Lake McConaughy is normally held near its summer pool from spring through the recreation season, then let down over winter to the utility's cold-weather elevation so there is room for high water. Within any given week the bigger mover is generation: releases through the powerhouse pull the pool down and inflow brings it back, which is why a foot of daily swing here is routine rather than a warning sign.
The recent high and low above are drawn from the published history available for Lake McConaughy, so they show how today compares over that record rather than an all-time extreme. The 12-month and 5-year chart views make the trend and the lake's usual seasonal shape easy to see.
Lake McConaughy — frequently asked
What is the current water level of Lake McConaughy?
The gauge at the top of this page shows Lake McConaughy's current elevation in feet above sea level, updated from NOAA's National Water Prediction Service gauge KNGN1.
What is full pool for Lake McConaughy?
Lake McConaughy's full summer pool is 3265 feet above sea level. Levels are typically drawn down below that in winter for flood storage.
Who manages Lake McConaughy?
Lake McConaughy is operated by Central Nebraska PPID on the North Platte River.
Where is Lake McConaughy located?
Lake McConaughy is in Nebraska, on the North Platte River.
Why is Lake McConaughy low right now?
Reservoir levels fall during dry spells and seasonal drawdown — when Central Nebraska PPID lowers the pool for flood storage, power, or water supply — and recover after rain and snowmelt. The history chart above shows the recent trend.
Other lakes near Lake McConaughy
- Harlan County LakeNE
- Lewis and Clark LakeSD/NE
- Glendo ReservoirWY
- Big Hill LakeKS
- Bighorn LakeMT/WY
- Blue Springs LakeMO
See current levels for all 3 Nebraska lakes and reservoirs →
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