Lake Monona
Source: U.S. Geological Survey (Water Data for the Nation)
SW 5 mph · rain 3%
NW 5 to 10 mph · rain 10%
Field notes
As of Oct 25, 2026, Lake Monona stood at 844.71 (NAVD88) ft.
Over the past 7 days the lake has been falling (−0.08 ft), and it is −0.46 ft over 30 days.
Compared with a year ago (844.53 ft, same time of day), the lake is 0.18 ft higher.
Readings come from the USGS gauge “LAKE MONONA AT MADISON, WI”. Gauge elevations are not directly comparable between lakes because each uses its own datum.
Lake facts
| Gauge / station | LAKE MONONA AT MADISON, WI |
|---|---|
| Elevation datum | ft (NAVD88) |
| Gauge location | 43.0633, -89.3971 |
Nearby lakes
Common questions
Is Lake Monona rising or falling?
Over the last 7 days it changed −0.08 ft and over 30 days −0.46 ft.
How full is Lake Monona?
USGS publishes the water surface elevation for this gauge but not a percent-full figure, so we don't show one rather than estimate it.
How often is this page updated?
The page is rebuilt automatically every day from USGS's published data. Values can be revised later by the source agency.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Data API (api.waterdata.usgs.gov), which publishes readings from USGS and partner gauges. Forecasts come from the National Weather Service.
Latest instantaneous reading; 7-day, 30-day and year-ago changes compare readings at the same hour. USGS data are provisional and subject to revision. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USGS. See data sources.