KANSAS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Kansas's extensive array of dams and reservoirs serves as a critical resource for water storage, flood control, and recreation. A recent review of the latest data available demonstrates that most reservoirs are currently operating near their average water surface elevations. Notable among them, MILFORD LK near Junction City shows a current level at 1143 feet, which is slightly below its average of 1145.26 feet. This trend of slight reductions in surface elevation is also observed in other reservoirs such as CEDAR BLUFF RE near Ellis at 2120 feet (average 2125.24 feet), and KANOPOLIS LK near Kanopolis at 1461 feet (average 1464.43 feet). Conversely, CHENEY RE near Cheney is slightly above its average, reporting a current level of 1422 feet against an average of 1420.68 feet.

The minor variations observed in these water levels could be a result of several factors, including seasonal precipitation patterns, snowpack melt contributions, and river flow adjustments. For instance, the lower levels at MILFORD LK, CEDAR BLUFF RE, and KANOPOLIS LK suggest a potential deficit in upstream water contributions or possibly higher water usage demands. Climatic conditions leading up to the last observed date of January 2, 2026, would need to be analyzed to establish a clear causation, including the examination of regional snowpack data and river flow records. In contrast, the slightly elevated level at CHENEY RE might be indicative of recent precipitation events or controlled releases from upstream storage facilities. To ascertain the exact causes of these abnormal conditions, a detailed study encompassing hydrological, meteorological, and human factors relevant to each specific reservoir would be necessary. The current observations, however, indicate that while there are minor deviations from average storage levels, there are no immediate signs of extreme or hazardous conditions impacting Kansas's major dams and reservoirs at this time.

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.