MISSOURI RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Missouri's network of dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply, flood control, and recreation for the state's populace. As of the latest observations dated December 28, 2025, there are varying conditions across the major water storage systems. Most reservoirs are holding water levels close to their historical averages, with Longview Reservoir at Kansas City slightly above average at 891 feet and the Longbranch Reservoir near Macon also registering a marginal increase at 791 feet. These levels indicate stable conditions, likely attributed to well-managed water flow and possibly consistent precipitation patterns. However, certain reservoirs such as Smithville Reservoir near Smithville and Stockton Lake near Stockton are reporting levels below their historical averages, which could hint at increased water usage or reduced inflow possibly due to lower-than-expected precipitation.

Abnormal conditions are notable in a few cases, such as Clearwater Lake near Piedmont, significantly below its average at 495 feet compared to 500.56 feet. This deviation suggests potential concerns over water supplies in the region or environmental factors influencing water retention. In contrast, Lake Taneycomo at School of the Ozarks is slightly above its average. The observed discrepancies may be related to various factors, including but not limited to, changes in snowpack levels affecting river flows, variations in rainfall, or adjustments in reservoir management practices. An absence of snowpack data limits analysis in this area, but river flow trends can be a critical factor in understanding these anomalies. Continuous monitoring and cross-referencing with river flow data, precipitation records, and snowpack levels (where applicable) are necessary to ascertain the causes of these abnormal conditions and to implement appropriate measures for reservoir management and conservation.

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.