2026-04-16T21:00:00-06:00
The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 214, 216, 241, 245, 246, 247 and 249. * TIMING...From Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 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.
KANSAS RIVER
Last Updated: April 15, 2026
Total streamflow across the
Kansas River
was last observed at
18,650
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
36,992
acre-ft of water today; about 186%
of normal.
River levels are high.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
10,001 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 Wamego
reporting a streamflow rate of 5,480 cfs.
However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the
Kansas R Nr Belvue
with a gauge stage of 12.74 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 | 2026-04-14 |
| Discharge Volume | 36,992 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
18,650.0 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -7049.0 cfs (-27.43%) |
| Percent of Normal | 186.48% |
| 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 |
396 cfs | 4.39 ft | -22.28 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Wamego
USGS 06887500 |
5480 cfs | 6.26 ft | 88 | |||||
|
Kansas R Nr Belvue
USGS 06888350 |
5240 cfs | 12.74 ft | -24.43 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Topeka
USGS 06889000 |
3210 cfs | 7 ft | -60.9 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Lecompton
USGS 06891000 |
2400 cfs | 3.26 ft | -49.4 | |||||
|
Kansas R At Desoto
USGS 06892350 |
3580 cfs | 6 ft | 5.01 |
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.
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