Kansas Floods
Floods in Kansas have caused millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. Nationwide, floods are responsible for more property damage and loss of life than any other natural hazard. The USGS monitors flood conditions at more than 180 streamgages across Kansas. Water level and flow information are used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to make accurate flood forecasts. Included in this topic are tables and maps that summarize flood conditions using real-time data from the streamgages, NWS flood forecast information, and publications that describe historic floods in Kansas.
Flood Watch
- Kansas streamgages at of above flood stage: Flood and High Flow Map
- Most Recent Flow and Stage-Table
- Locations above Flood Stage-Table
- Summary of Flood and High Flow Conditions-Table
- Cowskin Creek flood information
Flood Information
- Turn Around Don't Drown®
- Wateralert Subscription
- Current flood and high flow map for the nation
- USGS Flood Information
- Flood Research
NWS Flood Links
- River Forecasts
- Missouri Basin River Forecast Center
- Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center
- NWS Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
- Precipitation Analysis
- Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (5-day, 7-day)
- Weather Radar
NWS Weather Forecast Offices
- Dodge City Weather Forecast Office
- Goodland Weather Forecast Office
- Hastings Weather Forecast Office
- Kansas City-Pleasant Hill Weather Forecast Office
- Springfield Weather Forecast Office
- Topeka Weather Forecast Office
- Wichita Weather Forecast Office
Flood Maps
TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN®
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.
- Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
Related
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Historic Floods Along Arkansas River
Despite often being completely dry during drought conditions in western parts of Kansas, the Arkansas River can become deceptively menacing at high flow and cause millions of dollars in damage. The following briefly describe the Arkansas River Basin in Kansas, chronicle the effects of human development on streamflow in the basin, and provide brief descriptions of some of the larger floods.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
StreamStats for New Jersey
The USGS StreamStats website is a GIS-based web tool for estimating streamflows at gaged and ungaged locations. Features similar to the National Streamflow Statistics program are presented to users with no programs to install. Users can visit the StreamStats website linked here and click on a stream location on the interactive map to compute estimated streamflows for floods and other statistics.
Photo Galleries and other multimedia.
Floods in Kansas between May and July 2007 caused significant damage in more than 20 counties, resulted in one loss of life, and shattered previous streamflow records at 16 long-term streamgages.
Floods in Kansas between May and July 2007 caused significant damage in more than 20 counties, resulted in one loss of life, and shattered previous streamflow records at 16 long-term streamgages.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Methods for estimating annual exceedance-probability streamflows for streams in Kansas based on data through water year 2015
Flooding in the United States Midwest, 2008
100-Year flood–it's all about chance
Flood hazards— A national threat
Summary of significant floods in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1994 through 1998 water years
Large floods in the United States: where they happen and why
The 1903 and 1993 floods in Kansas: The effects of changing times and technology
The 1951 floods in Kansas revisited
Summary of significant floods in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, 1970 through 1989
Significant Floods in the United States During the 20th century - USGS Measures a Century of Floods
Estimation of potential runoff-contributing areas in Kansas using topographic and soil information
Summary of floods in the United States, January 1992 through September 1993
Related
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Historic Floods Along Arkansas River
Despite often being completely dry during drought conditions in western parts of Kansas, the Arkansas River can become deceptively menacing at high flow and cause millions of dollars in damage. The following briefly describe the Arkansas River Basin in Kansas, chronicle the effects of human development on streamflow in the basin, and provide brief descriptions of some of the larger floods.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
StreamStats for New Jersey
The USGS StreamStats website is a GIS-based web tool for estimating streamflows at gaged and ungaged locations. Features similar to the National Streamflow Statistics program are presented to users with no programs to install. Users can visit the StreamStats website linked here and click on a stream location on the interactive map to compute estimated streamflows for floods and other statistics.
Photo Galleries and other multimedia.
Floods in Kansas between May and July 2007 caused significant damage in more than 20 counties, resulted in one loss of life, and shattered previous streamflow records at 16 long-term streamgages.
Floods in Kansas between May and July 2007 caused significant damage in more than 20 counties, resulted in one loss of life, and shattered previous streamflow records at 16 long-term streamgages.
Below are publications associated with this project.