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.

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:

• For real-time streamflow information in Kansas - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/RT
  
• For daily streamflow map of the United States showing current discharge in percentile of historical flow for that day - http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/
  
• The National Weather Service Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) produces a map showing flood potential for the contiguous 48 states. Updated daily at 4 p.m., this five-day outlook provides an entry point for users seeking more detailed hydrologic information provided by the NWS's regional River Forecast Centers and Weather Forecast Offices. - URL: http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/nationalfloodoutlook/
• For flood warnings and weather information - http://www.wunderground.com/
  
• For river and flood forecasts in the Missouri River Basin - http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mbrfc/index.html/
• For river and flood forecasts in the Arkansas - Red River Basin http://www.srh.NOAA.gov/abrfc/

What is the status of flood-control structures and lakes in Kansas?

For information on the lakes and reservoirs in Kansas - http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterdata/climate/reservoir.html

What can I do if a flash flood or flood warning is eminent?

The American Red Cross and FEMA have compiled fact sheets of things to do if a flood is predicted in your area

What are the flood-frequency discharges for the gaging stations in Kansas?

http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/flood/flood-freq.html

Where can I obtain flood maps for my area?

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/

What are the areas of the country experiencing drought?

On the Internet, check the following URL's:

• Palmer drought index (PDI)-- http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/regional_monitoring/palmer.gif
  
• Standardized precipitation index (SPI)-- http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc/watch/spicurnt.htm
  
• Daily streamflow conditions map-- http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/
  
• Other links to drought information-- http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc/watch/watch.htm
  

How does El Niño/La Niña affect floods/droughts?

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.

On the Internet check the following URL's:

• La Niña-- http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/lanina.html
  
• El Niño-- http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/
  

Where can I find other information on maps, soils, volcanoes, earthquakes, boating, wetlands, etc?

http://ks.water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/flood/FAQ.html