TOPEKA (KSNT) – City officials report the Kansas River has risen substantially in the Topeka area following recent rainfall.
City of Topeka staff reported in a social media post that the Kansas River has risen more than 12.5 feet from the morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 2. This comes after recent rain in northeast Kansas ranging between one and four inches earlier in the week.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff report the Kansas River was at an elevation of about eight feet as of the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 29. As of the morning of Oct. 2, the river was at an elevation of just over 23 feet, a difference of around 15 feet compared to Tuesday’s elevation.
NOAA staff report that moderate flooding occurs when the river hits 27 feet, followed by major flooding at 44 feet. While the river is higher than usual, city staff report the river is still far from reaching the city’s flood protection limit.
“Our Utilities crews are keeping a close eye on conditions across the city, including rainfall, river levels and the impact of all that water moving through our systems. As river levels rise, our crews are also taking action, including beginning to close gates in areas where rising river water can back up into the city.”
City of Topeka social media statement
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City officials report that water and wastewater treatment plant crews are also keeping an eye on local conditions, making operational adjustments and getting ready for changing conditions to help keep essential services running. NOAA staff are also reporting, as of 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, that water levels on the Kansas River in Topeka are starting to decrease.
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