2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect Thursday afternoon. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...Thursday afternoon. * WINDS...South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Summary
Total streamflow across the
Kansas River
was last observed at
6,967
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
13,819
acre-ft of water today; about 121%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
5,747 cfs,
with recent peaks last observed
on
2025-07-27 when daily discharge volume was observed at
45,430 cfs.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the
Kansas R At Desoto
reporting a streamflow rate of 1,910 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Kansas R Nr Belvue
with a gauge stage of 9.77 ft.
This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Kansas River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,038 ft, the
Kansas R At Fort Riley.
15-Day Weather Outlook
River Details
| Last Updated | 2026-03-03 |
| Discharge Volume | 13,819 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
6,967.0 cfs
+137.0 cfs (+2.01%) |
| Percent of Normal | 121.22% |
| Maximum |
45,430.0 cfs
2025-07-27 |
| Seasonal Avg | cfs |
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kansas R At Fort Riley
USGS 06879100 |
573 cfs | 4.7 ft | -2.05 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Wamego
USGS 06887500 |
909 cfs | 3.34 ft | -1.2 | |||||
|
Kansas R Nr Belvue
USGS 06888350 |
977 cfs | 9.77 ft | -0.81 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Topeka
USGS 06889000 |
988 cfs | 5.42 ft | -2.18 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Lecompton
USGS 06891000 |
1610 cfs | 2.73 ft | -4.17 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Desoto
USGS 06892350 |
1910 cfs | 4.98 ft | 15.76 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
It was an essential water source for Native Americans and European settlers, facilitating trade and transportation. The river's hydrology has been altered by human activities such as damming and levee construction. Some of the significant reservoirs/dams on the river include the Tuttle Creek Dam, Milford Dam, and Perry Dam. These structures provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply. The river is used for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and canoeing. Additionally, agriculture is a major industry on the river, with farmers using the river's water to irrigate crops. The river also plays a significant role in providing water for municipal and industrial uses.