Frequently Asked Questions
The Kansas District receives numerous inquiries, by phone or mail, from citizens attempting
to obtain scientific information on a wide variety of subjects, including floods and
droughts. While we always make every attempt to fill an information request, we also feel it
is our responsibility to pass on to the appropriate person or agency any request that we are
unable to handle directly. Listed below are some frequently asked questions with answers to
better guide you in obtaining appropriate information.
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Where can I obtain information about streamflow and flood predictions for streams in
Kansas?
Contact the National Weather Service River Forecast Center at (816) 540-5151.
More information may be obtained on the Internet at the following URL's:
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What is the status of flood-control structures and lakes in Kansas?
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For information on the lakes and reservoirs in Kansas -
http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterdata/climate/reservoir.html
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What can I do if a flash flood or flood warning is eminent?
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The
American Red Cross and
FEMA have
compiled fact sheets of things to do if a flood is predicted in your area
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What are the flood-frequency discharges for the gaging stations in Kansas?
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http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/flood/flood-freq.html
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Where can I obtain flood maps for my area?
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On the Internet, check the following URL's:
- Order flood maps and related reports, studies, and other materials from FEMA at
the Flood Map Store at URL:
http://store.msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langID=-1
- Online FEMA flood maps are available on the Internet at:
http://www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.html
- In Kansas City, Missouri, call FEMA at (816) 283-7061, outside the Kansas City
area call 1-800-358-9616.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)
http://www.fema.gov/maps/
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What are the areas of the country experiencing drought?
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On the Internet, check the following URL's:
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How does El Niño/La Niña affect floods/droughts?
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In Kansas, there is a tendency for El Niño to increase rainfall slightly
and for la Niña to decrease it slightly. Normally, during an
El Niño, the southern half of the Nation is wet, while the northern half
is dry. During the La Niña, this tendency is reversed. Kansas, being in
the center of the Nation, can go either way.
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On the Internet check the following URL's:
- La Niña--
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/lanina.html
- El Niño--
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/
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Where can I find other information on maps, soils, volcanoes, earthquakes, boating,
wetlands, etc?
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http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/flood/FAQ.html
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