News Release

Congresswoman Boyda Scheduled to Dedicate New Flood-Warning Station on Spring River near Baxter Springs

The people living near Baxter Springs can expect improved flood warning with the installation of the new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) federally funded streamflow-gaging station on Spring River near Baxter Springs on U.S. Highway 166.  U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Boyda is scheduled to cut the ribbon dedicating this new station at a ceremony May 16, at 11 a.m.

“Real-time stage and streamflow information collected from this new USGS station will provide advanced flood warning for those living near the Spring River and in Baxter Springs,” said USGS hydrologist Brian Loving.  Data from the new Baxter Springs streamgage helps the National Weather Service make flood forecasts that will protect lives and property during significant flooding. Property owners living near the river can use the water level information to decide when to leave the area or move property out of harms way. The streamgage was installed through a partnership between the USGS, Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Cherokee County Emergency Management, and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield, Missouri.

The Baxter Springs streamgage is one of over 170 gages that comprise the USGS streamgaging network in Kansas. Many organizations are linked to the USGS database and use its data regularly.  In addition to flood warning and forecasting, streamflow data also are important for reservoir operation, design of bridges and flood-control structures, water-supply development and management, flood-plain regulation and insurance purposes, water-rights administration, as well as recreational activities.  Funding for streamflow-gaging stations in Kansas is provided by federal, state and local agencies.

Real-time streamflow information specific to Spring River near Baxter Springs can be viewed at:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07187600

More information about the USGS real-time streamflow information program and

other USGS programs in Kansas can be viewed at:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/rt

http://ks.water.usgs.gov

Note to Editor: For more detailed information about the ribbon-cutting ceremony and to schedule interviews or photograph opportunities, contact:  Donita Turk, USGS, Lawrence, Kansas, 785.832.3570 or 785-979-7677;  email:  dmturk@usgs.gov. In case of inclement weather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 16, please call 785.832.3573 for information.

***USGS***

Donita M. Turk
Public Affairs Coordinator
USGS Kansas Water Science Center
821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049
785.832.3570
785.832.3500 (fax)
dmturk@usgs.gov