Drought and Low Runoff Persist in Missouri River Basin
The latest in this situation
- The Missouri River basin is affecting the water supply in Kansas.
- Basin runoff is measured above Sioux City, Iowa.
- FVD deployed resources to various states, including Colorado and Nebraska.
- Millet production in Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota is severely impacted by drought, and a new grading standard was released.
How it started
What happened
Runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 61% of average in July 2026, and the 2026 forecast for the upper basin is 60% of average, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states could be the 11th lowest runoff in the period of record. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 80% of the basin was still considered abnormally dry or in drought conditions.
From drgnews.com
Why it matters
The low-water year is affecting commercial barge traffic on the Missouri River, despite recent improvements to navigation structures funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Furthermore, power generation from the six mainstem power plants was lower in July 2026 compared to typical levels, and is expected to be lower this year.
Who's involved
- South DakotaState whose weather patterns influence the Missouri River's flow
- IowaState where runoff was measured above Sioux City
- Missouri RiverMajor river experiencing low flow and navigation constraints
- ColoradoState facing drought conditions and low runoff
- NebraskaState facing drought conditions and low runoff, impacting millet production
- North DakotaState facing drought conditions, water transfers, and river flooding risk
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NebraskaSpeculative
Millet production in Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota might face reduced yields or increased costs due to drought conditions.
- North DakotaSpeculative
North Dakota might face increased costs related to managing rising water levels from major rivers.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Low Missouri River runoff may affect Omaha's water managementLow Missouri River runoff may force changes in dam operations near Omaha.Likely
- Drought conditions may force Colorado Water Conservation Board to adjust policyThe Colorado Water Conservation Board may need to adjust resource allocation due to persistent drought.Likely
- Low Missouri River runoff may reduce Mississippi River flowMississippi River flow may decrease due to low runoff in Missouri BasinLikely
- Drought may reduce power generation for NorthWestern EnergyDrought conditions may reduce power generation capacity for NorthWestern EnergyLikely
- Drought conditions may strain National Park Service operationsDrought conditions may strain operational capacity of National Park Service sitesPossible
See all 8 possible ripples
- Drought conditions may reduce water flow in Belt CreekBelt Creek may experience reduced water flow due to regional drought conditionsPossible
- Drought conditions may force Nebraska National Forests to adapt managementDrought conditions could force Nebraska National Forests to adapt resource managementPossible
- Drought and low runoff may shift American Rivers' focus on Missouri River healthAmerican Rivers' focus on river health may shift due to Missouri River droughtPossible
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- The Missouri River basin is affecting the water supply in Kansas.Sub-event
- Basin runoff is measured above Sioux City, Iowa.Sub-event
- FVD deployed resources to various states, including Colorado and Nebraska.Sub-event
- Millet production in Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota is severely impacted by drought, and a new grading standard was released.Sub-event
- North Dakota faces significant river flooding risk as homeowners are exposed to rising water levels from major rivers.Sub-event
El Niño influences dry spring outlook and triggers water transfers of the Missouri River headwaters to North Dakota.1 source
Multi-state drought and river runoff status in the Missouri River Basin.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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South Dakota
state of the United States of America
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Iowa
state of the United States of America
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Missouri River
major river in central United States
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Colorado
state of the United States of America
Related events
- The Great Plains region, including Nebraska, is facing widespread drought cycles, low river flows, and the impact of recent rains on grass recovery.
- Agronomists advised on severe drought conditions and shared challenges in Oklahoma and Nebraska.
- Colorado is facing severe drought conditions.
- Drought conditions are straining agricultural operations in North Dakota, impacting livestock producers as of August 18th.