As the dry conditions continue for our area, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun increasing releases from Tuttle Creek Reservoir.
This has prompted a flood warning along the Big Blue River near Manhattan. As of Friday morning the river was at 19.58 feet and seeing minor flooding. Flood stage is 19 feet and the river is expected to remain steady around 19.6 feet through early next week.
Outflow from Tuttle Creek Lake has been increased to 25,000 cubic feet per second. The lake level fell under 1,125 feet Friday morning and officials at the Corps plan to continue those releases over the next few weeks in an attempt to lower the lake level to 1,105 feet. This will cause some minor flooding along the Big Blue River however it is not expected to impact any neighborhoods. No evacuation advisories have been issued.
Boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming are not recommended on the Big Blue or Kansas River during periods of high water release. Fast moving flood waters can trap boaters against debris and hidden obstacles, creating a very dangerous situation. Smaller lakes such as Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake 2 are recommended as an alternative during flood conditions along the rivers.
