KANSAS FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
In the state of Kansas, river enthusiasts and water managers are observing varied streamflow conditions across major watersheds. Notably, the Neosho River near Burlington has reported a high current streamflow of 2780 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 307.42 percent above normal, possibly indicating a risk of flooding in nearby areas including Burlington. In contrast, the Republican River at Clay Center is experiencing significantly reduced flow at 103 cfs, a concerning 87.77 percent below normal, suggesting a flow drought that could impact local ecosystems and water supplies. Kansas River, a popular waterway for recreational activities, shows a mixed pattern; the section at Fort Riley flows at 1260 cfs, 21.36 percent below normal, while downstream at Topeka, it further drops to 1750 cfs at 60.64 percent below the norm.
For whitewater aficionados, the current gage height on the Republican River below Milford Dam measures 5.34 feet following a substantial 24-hour increase in streamflow of 544.67 percent, raising concerns for potential riverine hazards or exciting conditions for advanced paddlers. Conversely, the Smoky Hill River near Lindsborg stands at a gage height of 7.14 feet with a modest streamflow of 112 cfs, indicating subdued water levels that are less favorable for whitewater sports. The Verdigris River at Independence has a significant surge in flow to 1700 cfs, up 17.24 cfs from the previous day, with a gage height of 6.41 feet, which could impact the nearby city of Independence. These widespread fluctuations highlight the necessity for river users to stay informed about current conditions that can rapidly change due to weather events and upstream water management decisions.
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.