KANSAS FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
In Kansas, river enthusiasts and water resource managers should take note of the current state of streamflows, as several rivers are experiencing below-average flow conditions. The Republican River at Clay Center, for instance, exhibits a significant drop in streamflow, currently at 106 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is a drastic 89.44% below normal for this time of year. Similarly, the Big Blue River at Marysville is flowing at a mere 119 cfs, registering an alarming 90.52% below what's typical. The Marais Des Cygnes River near the Kansas-Missouri state line is also notably low, with a current flow of 111 cfs, 95.11% below normal. Such low flows may affect local ecosystems and water availability for communities and agriculture.
Conversely, the Delaware River below Perry Dam saw a significant 24-hour increase in streamflow, up by 47.26%, although it remains 46.66% below normal. The Kansas River at DeSoto and at Lecompton reported increases of 12.5% and 5.52% respectively. Nevertheless, these rivers still flow below the usual rates, at 73.07% and 64.43% below normal, which may influence recreational activities, including popular whitewater trails near these areas. The Cottonwood River near Florence, however, is an exception, flowing at 114 cfs which is 25.65% above the norm, possibly indicating localized rainfall events. Overall, these trends underscore the need for cautious water management and preparedness for potential flow-related impacts, especially in areas surrounding major rivers like the Republican, Big Blue, and Marais Des Cygnes Rivers, as well as the smaller, but still significant, Delaware and Cottonwood Rivers.
Kansas has a sub-humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, receiving an average annual precipitation of 31 inches. The major rivers are the Kansas, Arkansas, and Republican, with their tributaries forming a network of smaller streams. The state is not heavily dammed, and major reservoirs are primarily located in the eastern part of the state. The state's hydrology is dominated by the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies water to agriculture, industry, and municipalities. Snowpack is generally low in Kansas due to its location in the Great Plains. Flash floods and droughts are the primary hydrologic hazards in the state, often resulting from intense rainfall events or prolonged periods of low precipitation.