2026 Update on Flathead Lake Water Levels

Has Flathead Lake’s shoreline become unpredictable? If you watched docks wash away, saw erosion claw at property lines, or wondered why the water never seemed “right” this past year, you’re part of a growing community seeking answers. The wild fluctuations in lake levels have moved beyond curiosity into real consequences for homes, businesses, and our shared way of life.

What if the key to stability wasn’t just about the weather, but about a plan? Based on local data and direct advocacy, a new pathway forward is being drafted, focused on proactive management rather than reactive damage control.

In this breakdown, we cut through the confusion to explain the forces that impacted our lake, the tangible effects on the Valley, and the practical, common-sense proposal now on the table to protect what we value most.

The core issue is a mismatch between water flowing in and water flowing out, leading to extreme and damaging fluctuations. For Flathead Lake, that means protecting property, supporting local businesses, and ensuring reliable irrigation requires a written, common-sense operating plan.

1. The lake never properly filled last summer. Despite briefly coming close, the fill was slow and quickly reduced. In the Flathead Valley, where recreation and irrigation are vital, this caused immediate problems. Dock access was limited, affecting homeowners and lake-based merchants. Critically, it left some farmers unable to reach water with their irrigation pipes, threatening their crops.

2. Record fall rain hit a near-full lake. This fall brought historic, crazy amounts of rain. The Swan and Flathead Rivers were running at springtime levels, pouring water into a lake that wasn’t down much from the summer. The rapid refill was a recipe for disaster, demonstrating the lack of proactive flood control management.

3. The result was severe shoreline damage. The full lake, combined with fall storms, acted like a battering ram. We saw significant damage to docks, substantial shoreline erosion, and property destruction. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a costly event for property owners and a blow to the local economy that depends on a stable lakeshore.

4. A new, common-sense management plan is drafted. The solution is straightforward: match the flow into the lake with the flow out of the lake. We are working intensively with federal regulators and elected officials to get this principle written into a specific operating plan. This includes starting a gradual lake drawdown in early fall to create crucial space for flood control before the big storms hit.

5. Public support and awareness are critical. This is a community-wide issue affecting property values, businesses, and agriculture. The draft Drought Management Plan is ready, but it needs vocal public and political support to become a reality. The goal is to prevent a repeat of the chaos seen in 2023 and again this fall.

6. You can see the plan and get involved. The entire effort (including news updates, the full background, and the draft plan itself) is centralized for public review at https://fillthelake.com/. This transparency is key to building the consensus needed to change federal policy.

What this means for lakeshore owners, businesses, and the community. For property owners, a stable lake means protecting their investment from erosion and sudden damage. For local businesses, predictability means a reliable summer season without access issues. For farmers, it means dependable access to water for irrigation. For everyone who loves the lake, it means preserving its beauty and health for generations.

The damage this fall was preventable. With a written, common-sense management plan, we can have a stable shoreline, a thriving economy, and a healthy lake ecosystem.

If you’re concerned about the future of Flathead Lake and want to help advocate for a stable, sensible management plan, call 406-837-5531, email ScottHollingerMT@gmail.com, or visit flatheadrealestate.com to connect with the Hollinger Team and learn more.

The stability of Flathead Lake isn’t just a regulatory issue; it’s the foundation of our community’s prosperity, recreation, and natural legacy. Together, we can champion a plan that ensures it remains vibrant and secure for generations to come.