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KANSAS RESERVOIR LEVELS

April 23 2025
       

Kansas's dam and reservoir systems play a crucial role in water management, supporting agriculture, flood control, and providing water resources to communities. Recent observations indicate that various reservoirs are experiencing different storage levels compared to their historical averages. Notably, Milford Lake near Junction City is currently at an elevation of 1144 feet, which is 1.28 feet below its average. Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis is also below average, sitting at 2122 feet, down by 3.4 feet. Similarly, Wilson Lake near Wilson is 3.21 feet below its average at 1511 feet.

However, Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan is presently 0.64 feet above its average, suggesting localized variations in water inflow or management decisions. Perry Lake near Perry and Clinton Lake near Lawrence are nearly on par with their averages at 893 and 875 feet, respectively. Melvern Lake near Melvern and Pomona Lake near Quenemo are recording levels slightly below average, by 2.02 and 2.89 feet. Hillsdale Lake near Hillsdale and Cheney Reservoir near Cheney are also experiencing lower than average levels, at 916 and 1413 feet, down by 1.16 and 7.66 feet respectively.

These abnormal reservoir conditions can be attributed to factors such as regional climate variability, including precipitation patterns and river flows. Recent reports suggest that the central U.S., including Kansas, is expected to face a series of storms, which may alter current reservoir levels due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, articles from MSUToday and Farm Talk highlight ongoing efforts to conserve water in response to regional water scarcity issues, such as those affecting the Ogallala Aquifer. These conservation efforts could affect reservoir levels by reducing surface water usage in favor of groundwater, thereby altering inflow patterns. Moreover, weather forecasts by MSN and The Washington Post predict a blend of severe weather conditions, including potential tornadoes and hailstorms, which could impact river levels and storage capacities. The Country Herald notes a dry spell in regions such as Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, suggesting a wider pattern of irregular precipitation that may extend to Kansas, influencing dam and reservoir conditions.

In summary, Kansas's major reservoirs exhibit varied storage levels, some below and others slightly above their historical averages. Abnormal conditions may be linked to recent weather patterns, anticipated storms, regional conservation efforts, and broader climatic fluctuations. It is critical for water resource management and local communities to monitor these developments, as they can impact water availability and dam operations across the state.

Reservoirs & Dams