Kansas is a state located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and it is known for its relatively flat topography. As a result, there are no mountain ranges within the state that provide snowpack. Instead, Kansas relies on snowfall events originating from weather systems that move across the central United States. Snowmelt from these events contributes to the runoff in various rivers and watersheds across the state, including the Kansas, Arkansas, and Republican Rivers.

Winter climate characteristics in Kansas are typically cold, with average temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s degrees Fahrenheit. However, snowfall amounts can vary significantly from year to year due to the region's unpredictable weather patterns. Interestingly, the study of snow science and the history of snowfall patterns in Kansas are not extensively documented or studied compared to regions with more consistent and significant snowfall. Therefore, limited information is available on the specific impacts of snowpack conditions on the state.