KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

In the latest observations from Kansas, most dams and reservoirs show a slight decrease in water surface elevation compared to historical averages for this time of year. Notable among them is the Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis, which typically averages 2125.27 feet but is currently at 2120 feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929. Similarly, the Milford Lake near Junction City, with an average elevation of 1145.26 feet, is now at 1144 feet. These conditions indicate that there may be lower-than-normal water input from river flows or snowpack melt. This trend continues with Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis and Wilson Lake near Wilson, both also reporting a slight decline in water levels. However, Cheney Reservoir near Cheney shows an increase, with current levels at 1422 feet compared to the average of 1420.66 feet, suggesting regional variances in water sources or usage.

The deviations in water levels could be attributed to multiple factors, including reduced precipitation, changes in upstream water usage, or variations in the seasonal snowpack that feeds into the rivers. Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan and Perry Lake near Perry are both reporting near-average levels, which suggests that the abnormal conditions are not uniformly affecting all water bodies in Kansas. In contrast, reservoirs like Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Melvern Lake near Melvern, Pomona Lake near Quenemo, and Hillsdale Lake near Hillsdale are all experiencing slightly lower water levels than average. These observations point to a need for continuous monitoring of water sources and usage. It is crucial for water management authorities to analyze these trends and develop strategies to address any potential water shortages or flood risks that may arise from these abnormal conditions.

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.