MANHATTAN, Kan. — Heavy rainfall across northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska over the past several days has pushed the Big Blue River into flood stage, prompting rising water levels and proactive flow adjustments at Tuttle Creek Lake.
As of 6:15 a.m. this morning, the Big Blue River at Blue Rapids was recorded at 30.97 feet. Forecasters project the river will continue to rise, reaching a crest of 36 feet by 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 4.
Further downstream, Tuttle Creek Lake is responding quickly to the runoff. The lake level was measured at 1,084.94 feet at 6:00 a.m. today—a jump of 3.30 feet over a 24-hour period. Inflow surged to 20,525 cubic feet per second (cfs), marking an increase of 12,995 cfs from the previous day.
Despite the rapid influx, the lake is currently utilizing just 5% of its flood storage capacity. The top of the flood stage sits at 1,136 feet, with the top of the dam reaching 1,159 feet. For historical context, the all-time record crest for Tuttle Creek Lake was set on July 23, 1993, when waters reached 1,137.76 feet.
To help mitigate potential flooding further downstream along the Kansas River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers significantly scaled back outflow from the dam. Outflows were reduced from 8,000 cfs yesterday down to 200 cfs.
With outflows restricted, the Corps of Engineers anticipates a continued rapid increase in water levels across both the Big Blue River and Tuttle Creek Lake in the coming days.
⚠️ Important Flood Safety Guidelines
With rising water levels expected across the region, local emergency management and safety officials urge residents living near rivers and flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow core safety guidelines:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown:Never drive or walk through flooded roadways or moving water.As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches can sweep a small vehicle away.
- Obey Barriers:If you encounter a barricade or flooded road, do not bypass it.Roadways may be structurally compromised or washed out beneath the water.
- Stay Away from Fast-Moving Water: Avoid bridges, riverbanks, and swollen drainage ditches. Fast-moving water can erode banks unexpectedly and carry hidden debris.
- Monitor Official Channels:Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio tuned to local emergency alerts or NOAA Weather Radio for updated crest forecasts and potential evacuation notices.
- Prepare a Emergency Kit:Ensure your household has essential supplies, including safe drinking water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries.
