KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 21, 2026

The latest observations for Kansas' major reservoirs and dams reveal a mixed picture of water storage levels. Generally, reservoirs are showing lower water surface elevations than their historical averages, with Milford Lake near Junction City at 1142 feet, which is 3.24 feet below its average. Similarly, Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis is at 2120 feet, 5.2 feet below average. Other significant reservoirs such as Kanopolis Lake, Wilson Lake, and Perry Lake are also reporting levels below their norm by 3.4, 4.06, and 2.31 feet respectively. On the contrary, Melvern Lake near Melvern and Cheney Reservoir near Cheney are above average by 1 foot and 3 feet. All observations were recorded on February 21, 2026, benchmarked against the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.

These fluctuating conditions may be connected to broader climatic trends and water management practices as suggested by external sources such as the Great Bend Tribune, which discusses water conservation in agriculture, and AOL.com, which reports on extreme drought conditions leading to a state of emergency in Florida. While the Kansas data does not indicate an extreme drought, lower reservoir levels could signal a need for careful water management. Conversely, reservoirs with higher than average levels might be benefiting from deliberate retention practices or decreased downstream demands. These variations are critical for local stakeholders, as they could affect water supply for agriculture, municipal uses, and ecological conservation efforts across the region.

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.