Lake Manawa Water levels: Lake Manawa, located within Lake Manawa State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. The lake is still deep enough that we have not yet seen major issues getting boats on and off the lake via the public boat docks. However, members of the public should be aware that due to the decreased water levels there may be an increased risk of hazards when launching vessels on public and private boat docks. Due to lowered water levels we are encouraging members of the public to exercise caution when boating near the shore on any part of the lake and especially in the southeast portion of the lake near "Tin Can Dike". The Conservation Officers and the Water Patrol have set buoys on the lake in an effort to mark areas of shallow water. In addition, the area off the north point of the lake is also shallower and boaters should exercise caution as they may not be able to get as close to the point as they could in years past.
Water levels in oxbow lakes adjacent to the Missouri River, including Lake Manawa, are lower than normal due to dry conditions in western Iowa and historic low flows in the Missouri River. The current drought period in Western Iowa began in 2020. Climate conditions over the last three years are some of the driest three-year periods in the 128-year record for the region. In the past two years, annual runoff was at least 25 percent below normal levels. Local average annual precipitation is also below normal for the area, contributing to the low water conditions at Lake Manawa.
Lake Manawa, like many other oxbow lakes, is characterized by a small watershed drainage area relative to the size of the lake and a localized water recharge area. Oxbow lakes form when a curve (or meander) in a river finds a shorter path, effectively isolating the old curve to form an oxbow lake in a low-lying plain near the side of the river. Water levels in these lakes are highly influenced by nearby river and groundwater levels. The DNR will continue to divert from Mosquito Creek to the lake as long as the water clarity is maintained; however, this will not have a significant impact on lake water levels. The Lake Manawa State Park Staff along with Conservation Officers, Water Patrol and our Fisheries Biologist will continue to monitor lake levels and adjust the location of buoys as necessary.