Answers To Your Lake Mac Questions
What is the water level at Lake McConaughy?
Current level information may be found at https://cnppid.com/lake-river-data.
As a reservoir constructed in the late 1930s to supply irrigation water to farmers, Lake McConaughy has experienced cyclic ups and downs throughout its history.
A number of factors influence the water level, including dryer-than-average conditions in recent years, with high irrigation demand downstream, and below-average snowpack in the mountains upstream of the lake.
It’s worth noting that even at 30% capacity, Lake McConaughy is STILL the largest reservoir in the entire Nebraska/Kansas/Colorado region. It’s still at least 100 feet deep at its deepest point.
How is boating access being addressed during the low water period?
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in Keith County continues to offer abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, paddling, swimming and shoreline recreation this summer. As water levels gradually decline, Nebraska Game and Parks staff have been preparing to provide low-water access to the reservoir.
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗣
The Spillway Bay secondary low water boat ramp was reopened July 24, 2026. According to NGP, it is single lane, about 10 feet wide. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Boaters are asked not to park within 20 yards of each side. Please don’t block the entrance so other boaters can get in and out.
𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗣
The Martin Bay Low Water ramp near Kingsley Dam remains in use as of July 24, 2026. Users are advised to hug the west side near the dock for boats and hug the east side near the dam for jet skis, avoiding the hump down the middle.
𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗬/𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗠𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗣
The dock is pulled at Divers Bay/Burma Road. The ramp may still be usable for personal watercraft and flat bottom jon boats but nothing bigger. Use at your own risk.
Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x4lGu and please contact Nebraska Game & Parks with any additional questions.
When will Kingsley Dam be repaired?
Kingsley Day will undergo a phased repair project managed by Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, the owner and operator of the lake. Details are timelines are still being finalized.
According to CNPPID: "During the spring of 2022 prolonged strong winds displaced material on the face of the dam. Inspections revealed that the protective facing was inadequate and, without repair, further loss of material over time will occur. To ensure future integrity, remediation of the upstream facing of the dam is necessary. There are no immediate threats to the dam or unusual leaking."
"Unfortunately, the problem behind the damage appears to be systemic to the current design, and therefore the fix is not as simple as just replacing the displaced material. Repairs are likely to entail an engineered replacement of much of the dam’s protective face, and Central has retained the services of a qualified engineering firm to assist in the evaluation of options and to design a permanent solution."
WHAT IS THE DAM PROJECT TIMELINE? The development of final alternatives for consideration are expected to conclude by the end of 2027. Final design and contractor selection would then take place in 2028 followed by regulatory approval which could take over a year. Projected start of construction is Spring 2029. See https://cnppid.com/kingsley-dam-refacing-project for more information.
Was Lake McConaughy Affected By The March, 2026 Wildfires?
No campgrounds, beach camping areas, day use areas, park facilities, amenities or Nebraska Game and Parks infrastructure at Lake McConaughy or Lake Ogallala were damaged by the March, 2026 wildfire. No privately owned campgrounds, cabins, lodges, or businesses around the lake were damaged. Lake neighborhoods on the north side were evacuated twice, but those homes were not damaged.
Our hearts go out to the many rural residents and ag producers in the area who were affected. Sincere thanks to all local fire departments aided by crews from across Nebraska and Colorado for their hard work to contain the fire.
The fire began in Morrill County, Nebraska on March 12, 2026, spreading rapidly to Garden, Arthur, Grant and Keith Counties with high winds. The Morrill fire is believed to be the largest wildfire ever to occur in the state, burning over 642,000 acres. It took nearly two weeks to bring the fire to complete containment.