MISSOURI RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Missouri's network of dams and reservoirs is critical for water management, flood control, and recreation. Observations from the latest dataset indicate that most water bodies are hovering near their historical average surface elevations. For instance, the Longview Reservoir at Kansas City is currently at 891 feet, slightly above its average of 890.97 feet. Similarly, the Longbranch Reservoir near Macon is at 791 feet, marginally above its average. Such consistency suggests stable conditions in these reservoirs. However, not all reservoirs are at their expected levels. The Clearwater Lake near Piedmont stands out with a current elevation of 494 feet compared to its average of 500.56 feet, indicating a notable deviation from its typical water level.

Some deviations from average reservoir levels can be linked to seasonal variations, such as snowpack melt or abnormal river flows. The Smithville Reservoir near Smithville and the Stockton Lake near Stockton are both below their average levels, at 862 and 865 feet respectively, which might be attributed to lower inflows or increased water usage. The Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir at Warsaw is also below its average, with a current elevation of 706 feet against an average of 708.77 feet. These lower levels could be cause for concern if they are symptomatic of broader climatic or hydrological changes. Cross-referencing with historical events such as The Great Flood of 1993 and noting weather patterns from sources like KROC may help contextually relate current observations to past incidents and climatological data. While current conditions don't mirror the extremities of '93, continuous monitoring is crucial to anticipate any potential for abnormal flooding or drought, particularly in reservoirs showing significant deviations from their averages.

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.