MISSOURI RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Recent data on Missouri's dams and reservoirs indicates a mix of storage levels, with some water bodies showing variations from their average elevations. Smithville Reservoir, Longview Reservoir, Blue Springs Reservoir, Longbranch Reservoir, Stockton Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir, Wappapello Lake, and Clearwater Lake are among the major water storage systems monitored. As per the last observations recorded on December 22, 2025, Smithville Reservoir and Stockton Lake are slightly below their average elevations, while Longview Reservoir and Longbranch Reservoir are at or marginally above. Notably, Clearwater Lake shows a more significant drop from its average level. These variations could be early indicators of changing water availability patterns, potentially affecting local ecosystems and water management strategies.

In terms of abnormal conditions for the time of year, the most notable deviation is Clearwater Lake, which is currently at an elevation of 494 feet, significantly lower than its average of 500.57 feet. This could be related to reduced inflow due to below-average snowpack levels or decreased river flows. On the other hand, Lake Taneycomo at the School of the Ozarks is slightly above its average, though Lake Taneycomo at Ozark Beach Dam is right at its typical level. The discrepancies in water surface elevations among these reservoirs could be attributed to localized weather patterns, water usage, or management practices. While the other reservoirs show minor fluctuations from their averages, these are within the expected seasonal variations and do not immediately suggest abnormal conditions. It is essential to cross-reference this data with additional sources like local weather reports, snowpack data, and river flow measurements to confirm the reasons behind these observed levels and to forecast future conditions accurately.

Missouri has over 200 reservoirs and dams, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and recreation. Major reservoirs include Truman Lake, Table Rock Lake, and Lake of the Ozarks. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Osage, Gasconade, and White River. The area does not have significant snowpack or mountains that contribute to the water supply. The hydrology in the area is typically impacted by seasonal rainfall and drought conditions. In recent years, drought conditions have impacted the water levels in some reservoirs, leading to restrictions on water usage. In 2012, drought conditions caused Truman Lake to reach record low levels. Seasonal trends show that water levels typically decrease in the summer months due to increased water usage and decreased rainfall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing water resources in Missouri, but their sustainability is impacted by fluctuations in weather patterns and climate change.

Missouri has over 200 reservoirs and dams, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and recreation. Major reservoirs include Truman Lake, Table Rock Lake, and Lake of the Ozarks. These reservoirs are fed by streams and rivers such as the Osage, Gasconade, and White River. The area does not have significant snowpack or mountains that contribute to the water supply. The hydrology in the area is typically impacted by seasonal rainfall and drought conditions. In recent years, drought conditions have impacted the water levels in some reservoirs, leading to restrictions on water usage. In 2012, drought conditions caused Truman Lake to reach record low levels. Seasonal trends show that water levels typically decrease in the summer months due to increased water usage and decreased rainfall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing water resources in Missouri, but their sustainability is impacted by fluctuations in weather patterns and climate change.