Middle Kansas

Watershed Hydrology

The Middle Kansas Watershed, also known as HUC 10270102, covers an area of approximately 3,900 square miles in central Kansas. The watershed encompasses parts of seven counties and is characterized by rolling hills, croplands, and grasslands. The main rivers in the watershed are the Smoky Hill and Saline rivers, which flow into the Kansas River. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by precipitation and snowmelt. The snowpack in the area can vary greatly from year to year, which can impact water availability and flood risk. Surface water in the watershed is used for irrigation, drinking water, and recreation. Reservoir constituents in the watershed include sediment, nutrients, and bacteria. The sediment can accumulate in reservoirs over time, reducing their capacity and affecting water quality. Interesting climatic facts and trends in the Middle Kansas Watershed include variations in precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. The area has also experienced a warming trend in recent decades, which could have implications for water availability and agriculture.


Surface Flows

Middle Kansas Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Middle Kansas Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Middle Kansas Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Middle Kansas Watershed

Middle Kansas Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed