MISSOURI RESERVOIR LEVELS

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Missouri's array of dams and reservoirs are crucial for water storage, flood control, and recreation. Based on the latest observations, most of the state's major reservoirs such as Smithville Reservoir, Longview Reservoir, and Blue Springs Reservoir are maintaining water surface elevations close to or slightly below their average levels. Smithville Reservoir, for instance, is currently at an elevation of 862 feet which is just under 2 feet below its average. Similarly, Blue Springs Reservoir's level is marginally below average at 802 feet. Longview and Longbranch Reservoirs are showing water levels right at or just above their normal averages. However, it's worth noting that Clearwater Lake near Piedmont is experiencing significantly lower water levels, with a current measurement of 494 feet; this is a substantial drop from its average of 500.61 feet.

In investigating abnormal conditions, Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir, along with Clearwater Lake, stand out with their lower-than-average elevations, indicating potential concerns. The Truman Reservoir's current elevation at 706 feet is almost 3 feet below its typical average, suggesting that upstream inflow may be reduced or that there has been increased water release from the dam. Clearwater Lake's marked deviation from its average level might be linked to a prolonged dry spell in the region or operational changes in water management. In contrast, Lake Taneycomo at School of the Ozarks is slightly above its average level, which could imply a deliberate water retention strategy or increased inflows. The absence of anomalous snowpack or river flow data in the provided dataset limits further correlation to specific causes, but these observations suggest that certain Missouri reservoirs are facing variances in water levels that could be a response to climatic or management factors. Cross-referencing with additional meteorological and hydrological data would be necessary for a comprehensive analysis of the causal factors behind these abnormal conditions.

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.