MISSOURI RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Missouri's dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water storage, flood control, and recreation. Recent observations indicate that most facilities are operating within normal ranges for this time of year, with some exhibiting slight variations from their average water surface elevations. For example, Smithville Reservoir near Smithville and Stockton Lake near Stockton are both operating slightly below their average levels, at 862 feet and 865 feet respectively, compared to their typical levels of 863.85 feet and 867.65 feet. Conversely, Longview Reservoir at Kansas City is marginally above its average, recorded at 891 feet against a norm of 890.97 feet. These small discrepancies may reflect normal seasonal changes, but do warrant monitoring to ensure they remain within safe operational limits.

Exceptions to the general stability are Clearwater Lake near Piedmont, and Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir at Warsaw, experiencing more significant deviations from their average water surface elevations. Clearwater Lake is notably lower than usual, with a current elevation of 494 feet against an average of 500.57 feet, which could be a sign of decreased inflow or increased water usage. Harry S. Truman Reservoir is also below its average level, with a current elevation of 706 feet compared to the average of 708.77 feet. These abnormalities may be linked to factors such as below-average snowpack melting, reduced rainfall, or increased demand for water downstream. It's important to continue to cross-reference these observations with meteorological data and river flow records to identify the causes of these discrepancies and to anticipate any potential impacts on water management and local ecosystems.

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.