Measured Lakes
Historic Lake Level Data in South Dakota
The surface elevation for many South Dakota lakes is measured each spring and fall. All elevations are referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29).
Please note that these biannual measurements are not indicative of any annual high or low water levels.
The measurements only reflect the level of the lake on the day the measurement was recorded.
In addition to your search returning surface elevations, some lakes have an elevation established for the ordinary high/low water mark and
lake outlet which will be included in your search results.
Ordinary High/Low Water Mark and Lake Outlet Elevation
Every lake in South Dakota has had an ordinary high and low water mark and outlet established through natural processes (precipitation, wave action, vegetation, erosion, etc.) which, in some cases, have been influenced by man-made activities as well. However, the official numeric elevation of an ordinary high/low water mark and lake outlet is established by the state Water Management Board. Some South Dakota lakes have these official elevations established and many do not.When searching for a lake, any official elevations established by the Water Management Board will be listed in the search results. State law provides that all navigable rivers and lakes are public highways within 50 feet landward from the water's edge, provided the outer boundary does not expand beyond the ordinary high water mark or contract within the ordinary low water mark.
An exception exists for all lakes with ordinary high water marks established by the board prior to 1985. For these lakes the public highway exists from the water's edge or ordinary low water mark to the ordinary high water mark. While the public may use this strip of land for public purposes, the private adjoining landowner may also use the land for any purpose that is not inconsistent with the rights of the public. For example, the adjoining landowner may exercise the right to graze and water livestock, to cut hay, or build a boat dock. If you have any questions concerning ordinary high and/or low water marks or lake outlets, please contact:
Water Rights Program
(605) 773-3352
Note: DENR can not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information returned by this database search. Any reliance on the search results is solely at your discretion.
Commonly Asked Questions
- How do I print a hydrograph?
- Why can I not see the "Outlets" layer on the map or legend?
- What is a map "layer"?
- What does the "Layer List" do?
- Why are some of the layer names light gray and why can I not see them on the map?
- How do I zoom in or out of the map?
- What is the "Lakes(1999)" layer?
- What is the "Measured Lakes" layer?
- What is the "Outlets" layer?
- How do I conduct a search?
- How do I view or download data?
- What is "Change Basemap"?
- What do the icons on the map mean / do?
Further Assistance
- I can't find the lake I am looking for...
- I found a mistake in a lake level measurement...
- I found the lake but I have a question...
There are two ways to get a printer friendly hydrograph.
- Use the “Graph” button in the “Measured Lakes” tab
- Conduct a search
- Click the check in the “Measured Lakes” tab next to the lake you want.
- Click the “Graph” button on the upper right hand side of the “Measured Lakes” tab.
- The hydrograph will open in a new window.
- Use the “Download Selected” button in the “Measured Lakes” tab
- Conduct a search
- Click the check in the “Measured Lakes” tab next to the lake you want.
- Click the “Download Selected” button on the upper right hand side of the “Measured Lakes” tab.
- An image of the hydrograph will download along with other data about that lake.
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There are two reasons why a layer does not show up on the map.
1. The layer may be scale sensitive. For these layers to be visible you will need to zoom into the map.
2. The layer may be turned off in the layer list.
3. If you are still unable to see the layers the service may be temporarily down. Please try again at a later time. You may contact us at: Email
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There are several ways to zoom in and out of the map.
- Hover your mouse over the map and scroll the wheel forward to zoom in and back to zoom out.
- Use the
(zoom in), 
(zoom out), and the
(zoom to original extent) icons in the upper left hand corner of the map. - Key commands: Hover your mouse over the map and press the following key combinations.
- Windows:
- Zoom in: "Control" and "+" buttons
- Zoom out: "Control"and "-"buttons
- Zoom to original extent: "Control" and "0" (zero)
- Mac:
- Zoom in: "Command" and "+" buttons
- Zoom out: "Command" and "-" buttons
- Zoom to original extent: "Command" and "0" (zero)
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The "Measured Lakes" layer identifies lakes measured by South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This layer contains each measured lake’s common name, county it is located in, ordinary high and low water mark, the legal description, and the latitude and longitude of the lake.
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The "Outlets" layer identifies the outlets for the lakes measured by South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) where an outlet elevation and location have been determined. An outlet is the location where water moves out of a lake.
This layer contains each outlet’s common name, county it is located in, date measured, outlet elevation, the legal description, and the latitude and longitude of the outlet.
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There are several search options. You can search by one or any combination of the following: Lake Common Name, County, Legal description, Ordinary high or low water mark, and Date measured.
Other options include "And" and "Or"
- "And": Search results must contain all of the parameters selected. For example, lakes named Cottonwood and lakes located in Marshall County.
- "Or": Search results contain any of the parameters selected. For example, lakes named Cottonwood or lakes located in Marshall County.
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There are several ways you can view or download the data from this page.
- To view/ download data in a pop-up on the map:
- Click a point on the map this will bring up a pop-up containing data tied to that point.
- In each pop-up there are buttons that allow you to download the data for the point or view the data in the tables at the bottom of the page.
- Each data type is identified with different symbology:
- Measured Lakes:
- Outlets:
- Lakes (1999):
- To view/ download data in the tables at the bottom of the map:
- To view "Hydrograph", "Lake Levels", and "Outlets" data:
- Conduct a search. This populates the "Measured Lakes" tab at the bottom left of the page.
- Click the "view Graph/Data" button for the lake you have selected.
- Click on the "Measured Lakes", "Hydrograph", "Lake Levels", or "Outlets" tab to view your data.
- To download all the tables and a hydrograph for a measured lake:
- Conduct a search. This populates the "Measured Lakes" tab at the bottom left of the page.
- In the "Measured Lakes" tab click the check box next the lake or lakes you want to download.
- Then click the "Download Selected" button.
- To download selected data for a measured lake:
- Conduct a search. This populates the "Measured Lakes" tab at the bottom left of the page.
- In the "Measured Lakes" tab click the "View Graph/Data" button next to your selected lake. This populates the other tabs with data.
- Click on the "Lake Levels" or “Outlets” tab.
- Click the check box next the data you want to download.
- Click the "Download Selected" button.
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A basemap is the background map that provides reference information for the other layers. It allows you to easily identify where points are located. You may want to change the basemap. For example, you may prefer to use a street map vs. a topographic map so you can easily find your house.
To select a different basemap click the "Change Basemap" tab in the right panel. Then select your preferred basemap. You may change the basemap at any time.
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Turns on and off the bottom panel that contains the data tables, hydrograph, and other content.
Turns on and off the menu panel that contains the legend, layer list, search options, and more.
Turns on and off the map in the mobile version. Zooms the map to the default extent. Zooms out on the map. Zooms in on the map.
Finds your location on the map using GPS.
Zooms back to previous extent.
Zooms forward to previous extent.
Clears map and resets the original extent. 
Measurement map tools such as finding area, distance, and location (latitude and longitude). You may change the unit of measurement by clicking on the unit type (example: click on miles).
Search for location, place, or address( for example: Mount Rushmore). A search places point on the map that can be removed using the refresh icon or clicking the X in the search panel.Back to top
If the waterbody does not appear in the list, then we may not have any measurements for that waterbody. Please contact Water Rights Program at (605) 773-3352 or send an Email if you have further questions.
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If you find a mistake or some other correction is needed, please contact Water Rights Program at (605) 773-3352 or send an Email.
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If you have a question about a lake or ordinary high/low water marks, please contact Water Rights Program at (605) 773-3352 or send an Email.
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