KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Kansas reservoirs and dams are fundamental to water management, agriculture, and flood control within the state. As of the latest observations from December 21, 2025, the majority of Kansas's major reservoirs are reporting water surface elevations slightly below their average levels, which could be a point of concern if such trends continue. For instance, Milford Lake near Junction City has an elevation of 1144 feet, which is notably lower than its average of 1145.26 feet. Similarly, Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis and Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis are recording levels at 2120 and 1461 feet, respectively, both below their average readings. The observed deviations could potentially impact local ecosystems and water supply if they are indicative of a longer-term downward trend.

Not all reservoirs are showing a deficit; Cheney Reservoir near Cheney is slightly above the average at 1422 feet compared to the usual 1420.67 feet. Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan and Perry Lake near Perry are effectively at their average levels, indicating stability in those areas. These conditions across Kansas reservoirs suggest varied influences at play, potentially including lower-than-average snowpacks, reduced river inflows, or alterations in water management practices. The lack of significant snowfall or deviations in seasonal precipitation could be contributing to the lower storages in most reservoirs. In contrast, Cheney's slight rise might be attributed to localized weather patterns or watershed management factors. Continued monitoring and analysis of weather patterns, river flows, and reservoir management will be essential to understand and respond to these abnormal conditions and to ensure the sustainable use of Kansas's water resources.

Kansas has 24 major reservoirs, many of which were created by dams on streams such as the Arkansas, Smoky Hill, and Republican Rivers. The largest reservoirs are Tuttle Creek, Milford Lake, and Cheney Lake. Snowpack and mountains are not significant factors in Kansas hydrology, as the state is relatively flat. Kansas has experienced drought conditions in recent years, with some reservoirs reaching record low levels. In general, seasonal trends see higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt and spring rains, with levels decreasing in the late summer and fall. Management of reservoirs and dams is crucial for both water supply and flood control in the state.

Kansas has 24 major reservoirs, many of which were created by dams on streams such as the Arkansas, Smoky Hill, and Republican Rivers. The largest reservoirs are Tuttle Creek, Milford Lake, and Cheney Lake. Snowpack and mountains are not significant factors in Kansas hydrology, as the state is relatively flat. Kansas has experienced drought conditions in recent years, with some reservoirs reaching record low levels. In general, seasonal trends see higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt and spring rains, with levels decreasing in the late summer and fall. Management of reservoirs and dams is crucial for both water supply and flood control in the state.