KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

As of the latest observations on December 29, 2025, Kansas's major reservoirs and dams have shown variations from their average water surface elevations. Data indicates that most reservoirs are experiencing a slight decrease in lake or reservoir water surface elevation above NGVD 1929, with Milford Lake near Junction City reporting 1143 feet versus an average of 1145.26 feet, and Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis at 2120 feet, down from an average of 2125.24 feet. Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis, Wilson Lake near Wilson, and several others including Tuttle Creek Lake, Perry Lake, Clinton Lake, Melvern Lake, Pomona Lake, and Hillsdale Lake are also reflecting lower than average levels. Only Cheney Reservoir near Cheney has shown an elevation increase, currently at 1422 feet compared to its average of 1420.68 feet.

These abnormal conditions, particularly the widespread lower than normal storage levels, may be related to factors such as decreased precipitation, lower snowpack levels leading to reduced runoff, or potentially higher than average temperatures resulting in increased evaporation rates. Considering Kansas's geographical variability and dependency on both snowpack and river flow to fill its reservoirs, the observed reductions in water levels could also be attributed to regional climate variations affecting these natural water sources. However, without explicit data on snowpack and river flows, the exact cause of the abnormalities cannot be determined with certainty. It is crucial to monitor these levels closely, as they could impact water supply, agricultural irrigation, and ecosystem health across 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.

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.