KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Kansas reservoirs play a crucial role in water storage, flood control, and supply for agricultural and community needs. As of the latest observations on February 1, 2026, several major Kansas reservoirs are experiencing water surface elevations below their average levels. For instance, Milford Lake near Junction City, the largest reservoir in Kansas, is observed to be at an elevation of 1142 feet, which is 3.25 feet below its average of 1145.25 feet. Similarly, Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis and Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis are also under their average elevations by 5.21 and 3.41 feet, respectively. These deviations suggest potential concerns for water supply and management depending on the duration and severity of these conditions.

Investigating the abnormalities, the lower than average water levels across these key reservoirs could be attributed to factors such as reduced snowpack, lower river inflows, or increased demand for water usage. Wilson Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, and Perry Lake are also lower than average, albeit by smaller margins. Clinton Lake, Melvern Lake, Pomona Lake, and Hillsdale Lake, while still below average, are closer to their typical levels for this time of year, indicating less cause for immediate concern. However, Cheney Reservoir near Cheney is reporting an elevation of 1423 feet, slightly above its average of 1420.69 feet, which is an anomaly in the region. This could be due to local precipitation events or water management practices. It is important to cross-reference these observations with regional climate data and river flow patterns to fully understand the underlying causes and to predict the potential impact on water resources. Such insights are vital for water resource management and for preparing mitigative measures in case of prolonged or worsening 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.