Rivers in Kansas
Smoky Hill River below Schoenchen
Below flood stage
2.21ftStage
Observed Mon, Sep 28, 4:00 AM CDT
- Flood stage
- 11.00 ft
- Record crest
- 17.60 ft1993
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 17.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 14.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 11.00 ft |
| Action | 10.00 ft |
- 17.00 ftPrepare for major flooding along the Smoky Hill River from Schoenchen throughout southeastern Ellis County. Extensive flooding of lowlands will occur, with floodwaters of six feet or more possible near the main river channel.
- 14.00 ftExpect moderate flooding of three feet or more along the Smoky Hill River from Schoenchen through the southeastern portion of Ellis County. Some county roads adjacent to the river will be impassable due to rising waters.
- 13.00 ftExpect minor flooding of two feet or more along the Smoky Hill River from Schoenchen through the southeastern portions of Ellis County, as the river moves further out onto the floodplain. Some county roads in close proximity to the river may become impassible as rising waters cover the roads.
- 11.00 ftExpect minor overflows along the Smoky Hill River in the vicinity of Schoenchen, as lowland flooding of pasturelands initiates immediately adjacent to the river.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 23, 2026.
Crest history
25 crests on NOAA’s list since 1982.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 21, 1993 | 17.60 ft |
| 2 | April 14, 1987 | 13.57 ft |
| 3 | June 1, 2007 | 12.42 ft |
| 4 | May 22, 2019 | 12.22 ft |
| 5 | October 10, 2018 | 11.42 ft |
| 6 | August 25, 2019 | 10.59 ft |
| 7 | August 24, 2010 | 10.52 ft |
| 8 | January 11, 2003 | 10.51 ft |
| 9 | April 17, 2016 | 10.45 ft |
| 10 | November 16, 1996 | 10.32 ft |
| 11 | September 17, 2001 | 10.19 ft |
| 12 | July 10, 2014 | 9.70 ft |
| 13 | September 5, 1989 | 8.77 ft |
| 14 | April 2, 1988 | 7.60 ft |
| 15 | March 19, 1982 | 7.42 ft |
| 16 | August 13, 1992 | 6.64 ft |
| 17 | April 21, 1984 | 6.50 ft |
| 18 | July 30, 1985 | 5.69 ft |
| 19 | July 1, 2000 | 5.55 ft |
| 20 | June 19, 1990 | 4.25 ft |
| 21 | August 9, 2002 | 2.76 ft |
| 22 | October 19, 1993 | 2.64 ft |
| 23 | March 17, 1986 | 1.89 ft |
| 24 | May 30, 1991 | 1.85 ft |
| 25 | March 27, 1983 | 1.73 ft |
Most recent crests
- August 25, 2019: 10.59 ft
- May 22, 2019: 12.22 ft
- October 10, 2018: 11.42 ft
- April 17, 2016: 10.45 ft
- July 10, 2014: 9.70 ft
- August 24, 2010: 10.52 ft
- June 1, 2007: 12.42 ft
- January 11, 2003: 10.51 ft
- August 9, 2002: 2.76 ft
- September 17, 2001: 10.19 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
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.
Sources
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.