Why Lake Winnebago Looks High (or Low)

Here’s Why the Water Looks Different This Time of Year

Have you looked out at Lake Winnebago lately and thought, “Why is the water so high?” Or maybe in your neighborhood, it looks way too low? You’re not alone—and best of all, you’re not imagining things!

Whether the lake appears to be creeping up boat ramps or retreating to expose muddy shorelines, the truth is simple: looks can be deceiving.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening and why it matters.

This is part of our ongoing Lake Winnebago series. If you missed earlier posts, you can catch up here.

Why Lake Winnebago Looks So High

Spring 2025 has brought above-average rain, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who manage water levels on Lake Winnebago, have managed water levels near the top of their seasonal target range. In some areas, water may even appear to be flooding! But that doesn’t mean anything is off track.

Here’s what’s likely happening:

Spring refill began right after full ice-out, as planned.
Recent rain events have temporarily increased inflow.
Strong winds have pushed water toward one side of the lake.

Wind: The Hidden Shaper of the Shoreline

Lake Winnebago is huge and shallow with very few natural windbreaks. That means it has something called fetch—the distance wind can blow across the water unobstructed. On windy days, the water is physically pushed across the lake.

That explains why:

Water may be up a foot higher in Menasha than in Fond du Lac.
One side of the lake may seem flooded, while the other side looks dry.

Waves and wind can also stir up sediments and dirt, impact aquatic life, and create erosion hotspots—even when the actual water level is steady.

How Wind and Seiche Change Shorelines

A seiche is a standing wave triggered by sustained winds. Lake Winnebago’s shape and shallow depth make it especially susceptible.

But Sometimes, It Looks Low—Here’s Why

Some springs, like in 2021 and 2024, had:

Very little snowpack
Early ice-out
Exposed mudflats

When the snow and ice that usually line the lake’s edge are missing, more of the lakebed is visible—and it gives the illusion that the water level is unusually low.

Even in those years, navigation goals of water levels were still met on time. In fact, 2024 started low and ended with flooding after a wet summer.

Wind Setup in Action – Fond du Lac

November 5, 2022: South winds pushed water north, leaving docks high and dry on the south end of Lake Winnebago.

Same Day, Different Shoreline – Menasha

That same November 5 storm caused water to surge into yards in Menasha as wind stacked water on the north end of the lake.

Want to Know the Actual Water Level?

Don’t rely on guesswork—get the latest data from the official source.
Visit the Lake Winnebago Current Conditions page by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

You’ll find:

Today’s water level
Historic averages
Target ranges
Flow and discharge updates

Bookmark it if you’re a boater, angler, or shoreline homeowner!

You Love Lake Winnebago, So Do We

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance doesn’t manage lake levels—that’s the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. But we’re your go-to for:

Water quality education
Habitat protection
Stormwater and runoff solutions
Local action around the lakes we all love

Whether levels look too high or too low, we’re here to help explain what’s really going on and why it matters for shoreline health, fish habitat, and recreation.

What should you take away from all this?

Lake Winnebago’s water levels can be confusing—but that doesn’t mean something’s wrong.

Here’s what matters most:

Wind has a huge impact. It can temporarily raise or lower shoreline water levels by more than a foot without any changes to dam operations.
Looks can be deceiving. Whether the lake seems high or low, it often comes down to wind, recent rain, snowpack, or shoreline visibility.
Every year is different. Even in years like 2021, 2024, or spring 2025, the Army Corps’ operates within the strategy band as much as possible to minimize flooding and reach navigation goals on time.
For the real picture, check the data. Your best source is the Lake Winnebago Current Conditions page.

Stay Connected for More!

Water levels impact everything from fish habitats to your favorite outdoor activities. Stay tuned to our Basin Blog for more upcoming posts highlighting how water level management decisions shape Lake Winnebago’s future—and your next lake adventure.

Want more info right now?

Lake Winnebago Ice Out: The Last Ice Is Gone—Here’s What It Means

Gallery

Is Lake Winnebago Flooding? Or Is It Low?

Here’s Why the Water Looks Different This Time of Year

Why Lake Winnebago Looks So High

Here’s what’s likely happening:

Wind: The Hidden Shaper of the Shoreline

How Wind and Seiche Change Shorelines

But Sometimes, It Looks Low—Here’s Why

Wind Setup in Action – Fond du Lac

Same Day, Different Shoreline – Menasha

Want to Know the Actual Water Level?

You Love Lake Winnebago, So Do We

What should you take away from all this?

Stay Connected for More!

Lake Winnebago Ice Out: The Last Ice Is Gone—Here’s What It Means

Lake Winnebago Ice Out: The Last Ice Is Gone—Here’s What It Means

Why Does Lake Winnebago’s Water Level Change in Winter?

Why Does Lake Winnebago’s Water Level Change in Winter?

Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin: A Powerhouse Waterway with a Changing Past

Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin: A Powerhouse Waterway with a Changing Past

Leave A Comment Cancel reply