KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

In this latest report on Kansas dams and reservoirs, current observations indicate that most water bodies are showing surface elevation levels slightly below their average for this time of year. Notably, the Milford Lake near Junction City, which typically averages 1145.26 feet, is currently at 1143 feet. Similarly, Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis is measuring 2120 feet against an average of 2125.23 feet. The trend of lower-than-average levels persists with Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis at 1461 feet (average is 1464.42 feet), Wilson Lake near Wilson at 1510 feet (average is 1514.08 feet), and Hillsdale Lake near Hillsdale at 915 feet (average is 917.15 feet). Conversely, Cheney Reservoir near Cheney is slightly above its average, with a current elevation of 1422 feet compared to an average of 1420.68 feet. These discrepancies can be due to a multitude of factors, including variations in snowpack melting rates, precipitation patterns, and river flows impacting reservoir inflows and storage capacities.

Upon delving deeper into individual reservoir conditions, it becomes clear that the abnormalities in water levels are not uniform across the state. While the majority of the listed reservoirs show minor deviations below average levels, suggesting potential concerns about water supply if these trends continue, Cheney Reservoir stands out with its levels above the norm. These conditions could be tied to local precipitation events, water management practices, or anomalies in watershed runoff patterns. It is critical to monitor these water bodies closely, as they serve essential functions for irrigation, flood control, and water supply for surrounding communities. Current data does not explicitly reveal the causes of these deviations, but it emphasizes the need for ongoing analysis and potential adjustments in reservoir management to address any emerging issues related to water availability or flood risk management. Further examination of weather patterns, snowpack data, and river flow measurements will be required to establish more concrete reasons behind the observed water level variations.

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.