Lake water level report
Big McDonald - 56038601
Otter Tail County
Water Level Data
Period of record: 01/27/1935 to 05/06/2025
# of readings: 821
Highest recorded: 1354.34 ft (06/14/2005)
Lowest recorded: 1346 ft (01/27/1935)
Recorded range: 8.34 ft
Last reading: 1353.14 ft (05/06/2025)
Ordinary High Water Level (OHW) elevation: 1354 ft
Datum: NGVD 29 (ft)
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Last 10 years of data, click to enlarge.
Benchmarks
| Elevation: 1359.49 ft | Datum: NGVD 29 (ft) |
| Date Set: 08/15/2013 | Location: T136R40S18 |
| Description: Set 3/8" x 8" spike, 1.0' above ground, in NE side of a 1.3' ash, only large ash in area, 10' SW of the edge of bituminous area, 100' W-SW of the top of the boat ramp, at public access, 34451 Big McDonald Ln, Dent, on NW side of lake. [Note: Add 0.89' to NGVD 1929 elevations to equate to NAVD 1988 datum.] | |
| Elevation: 1358.06 ft | Datum: NGVD 29 (ft) |
| Date Set: 04/28/2007 | Location: T136R40S19 |
| Description: Found 2025 for use only with prior permission of landowner. Top concrete centerline bottom of North steps from deck near lower patio coming out of garage on North side of lot, at private residence, 42754 Engstrom Beach Rd, Dent. | |
| Elevation: 1355.72 ft | Datum: NGVD 29 (ft) |
| Date Set: 06/10/1976 | Location: T136R40S30 |
| Description: Set vertical 60d spike in notched North root of 24" cottonwood located on right bank of channel from marsh to Archie Lake. | |
| Elevation: 1357.01 ft | Datum: NGVD 29 (ft) |
| Date Set: 06/10/1976 | Location: T136R41S24 |
| Description: For use only with prior permission from landowner. Horizontal RR spike in North side of a 30" cottonwood with large blaze (1' x 1.5'), approximately 30' West of road (Happy Dr) which goes along West shore of small pond between West McDonald and Big McDonald Lakes. | |