KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 13, 2026

The latest data gathered from Kansas' major dams and reservoirs indicate varying water surface elevations, with some notable deviations from average storage levels. As of March 12, 2026, several reservoirs are reported to have water levels below their average measurements. Notably, Milford Lake near Junction City is measured at 1142 feet, which is 3.23 feet below its average of 1145.23 feet. Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis is also experiencing lower levels, with a current elevation of 2120 feet against an average of 2125.19 feet. These lower levels could potentially be linked to regional factors such as decreased snowpack or altered river flows.

In contrast, Cheney Reservoir near Cheney is slightly above its average, with a current measurement of 1422 feet against an average of 1420.71 feet. Hillsdale Lake near Hillsdale has also seen an increase, now sitting at 919 feet, which is nearly 2 feet above its historical average of 917.13 feet. The deviations in reservoir levels can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from recent weather patterns to long-term climate trends. For instance, the weather forecast from Heraldo USA on March 13 foretells clouds and cooler conditions, which may affect local evaporation rates and precipitation inputs. The other reservoirs, such as Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan and Perry Lake near Perry, are reporting levels close to their averages, indicating stable conditions relative to the time of year. Cross-referencing with multiple data sources, including the Coyote Gulch blog and news from KQ2, helps ensure the accuracy of these observations. While local reservoir conditions do not appear to be directly influenced by global events such as the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, the comprehensive overview points to a need for ongoing monitoring to address any water management concerns 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.