Smoky Hill River near Arnold

1. 11.00 ftPrepare for major flooding along the Smoky Hill River from the confluence of Hackberry Creek to U.S. Highway 283. Expect north bank overflows of up to four feet or more, and south bank overflows of up to one foot.
2. 10.50 ftPrepare for north bank overflows of 3 feet or more along the Smoky Hill River from the confluence of Hackberry Creek to U.S. Highway 283. South bank overflows are now beginning to occur as well.
3. 9.00 ftPrepare for moderate north bank overflows of 2 feet or more along the Smoky Hill River from the confluence of Hackberry Creek to U.S. Highway 283.
4. 7.00 ftExpect minor north bank flooding of up to one foot along the Smoky Hill River from the confluence of Hackberry Creek and the Smoky Hill River to east of U.S. Highway 283.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.

Most recent crests

• June 19, 2018: 7.46 ft
• June 30, 2014: 7.22 ft
• August 24, 2012: 7.44 ft
• April 23, 2010: 7.06 ft
• June 14, 2007: 8.41 ft
• August 21, 2006: 4.31 ft
• June 19, 2003: 2.99 ft
• July 28, 2002: 2.89 ft
• September 13, 2001: 6.84 ft
• June 24, 2000: 4.52 ft

• UpstreamSmoky Hill River at Oakley
• DownstreamSmoky Hill River at Cedar Bluff Reservoir
• Hackberry Creek at Trego Center 9WSW
• Big Creek at Ellis
• Saline River (KS) at Wakeeney
• Big Creek at Ellis
• Hackberry Creek at Gove
• near Yocemento at Yocemento
• Smoky Hill River at Schoenchen

Forecasts by the Missouri Basin River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available. Stage may be affected by ice during winter months. River forecasts for this location take into account past and future precipitation. Forecast stages may be different if forecast future rainfall does not occur.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.