MISSOURI RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Missouri's network of dams and reservoirs play a critical role in managing water resources for the region. As of the latest observations, several reservoirs are reporting water levels that deviate from their historical averages for this time of year. For instance, Smithville Reservoir near Smithville is currently at 862 feet, which is 1.85 feet below its average. Similarly, Stockton Lake near Stockton and Pomme de Terre Lake near Hermitage are also reporting levels below their averages, sitting at 865 feet and 840 feet, respectively. On the other hand, the Longview Reservoir at Kansas City and Longbranch Reservoir near Macon are slightly above their typical measurements. Notably, Clearwater Lake near Piedmont is reported at 505 feet, which is significantly higher than its average of 500.51 feet.

The variances in water levels could be attributed to several factors, including regional snowpack conditions and river flows. For example, data from sources such as Drought.gov suggest that the Western region is experiencing a 'snow drought,' which could affect the inflow to the Missouri dams and reservoirs. Furthermore, the discord among Missouri River Basin states, as reported by Yahoo, over projects like the North Dakota Diversion could be impacting water management strategies, contributing to unusual water levels. Reading the release schedules of dammed rivers, as advised by Montana Outdoor, can provide insight into fishing conditions and indirectly indicate dam operations that may affect reservoir storage levels. Fishermen are finding success in areas where water levels have been consistent, as mentioned in the fishing conditions update by Montana Outdoor, but these conditions can also reflect the management of water resources upstream. It is imperative for regional stakeholders to monitor these changes closely, as fluctuating reservoir levels can have implications for water supply, recreation, and ecological balance in Missouri.

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.