KANSAS RIVER

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Total streamflow across the Kansas River was last observed at 11,674 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 23,155 acre-ft of water today; about 139% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 8,410 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2026-04-28 when daily discharge volume was observed at 126,700 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kansas R At Desoto reporting a streamflow rate of 4,740 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Kansas R Nr Belvue with a gauge stage of 10.4 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.

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 6 streamgages of the Kansas River


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-05-09
Discharge Volume 23,155 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 11,674.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -7866.0 cfs (-40.26%)
Percent of Normal 138.81%
Maximum 126,700.0 cfs
2026-04-28
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
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Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kansas R At Fort Riley
USGS 06879100 		434 cfs 4.46 ft -3.56
Kansas R At Wamego
USGS 06887500 		1900 cfs 4.2 ft -34.03
Kansas R Nr Belvue
USGS 06888350 		1590 cfs 10.4 ft -40
Kansas R At Topeka
USGS 06889000 		3010 cfs 6.88 ft -8.51
Kansas R At Lecompton
USGS 06891000 		4140 cfs 4.28 ft -4.61
Kansas R At Desoto
USGS 06892350 		4740 cfs 6.57 ft -20.07
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
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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.

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