Riverside Public Safety - Office of Emergency Management
2990 NW Vivion Road
Riverside, Missouri 64150
Phone: (816) 741-1191
Fax: (816) 741-0895
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It has been several days since a report was posted on the status of the Missouri River and the actions that are being taken by the City and Emergency Management. The National Weather Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers are reporting that flood waters are decreasing and the release rate at Gavens Point Dam have been reduced from 160,000 cubic feet per second (kcfs) to 150kcfs until August 18th. On August 19th, the release rate will be reduced to 145kcfs and that reduction is expected to be reduced to 90kcfs by August 30th. As a rule of thumb, for every 10,000 cfs change at Gavins Point equates to one foot of rise or fall to the Missouri River in Kansas City.
As of this morning, the Missouri River gage was showing an elevation of 28.42 feet which is 4.1 feet below the river’s crest of 32.52 feet on July 9. At this elevation the E. H. Riverfront Park is still being impacted by flood waters. Water is standing on the Riverwalk near the overlook and water is just off the stage in the amphitheater. When the river elevation is at 26.2 feet, all the water from the river will be evacuated and major restoration will begin.
Many trees and ground foliage have died and or showing severe stress. Silt and sand is throughout the park and because of the standing water, blue green algae has formed and is in the soil. Blue green algae is a bacteria and can be toxic to humans. A request to the Missouri Department of Conservation has been made to determine how to neutralize it.
On Friday, August 12, President Obama declared Missouri a major disaster area for individuals who live in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, Lafayette, and Platte Counties. Individual assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the flood disaster from June 1 to August 1, 2011. Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities were not included as part of this declaration.
Emergency Management and other city officials from Parkville, Riverside, Weston, Platte County and others met Monday with representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency and FEMA to provide them with detailed information and estimated costs for emergency responses and repairs of disaster-damaged facilities to take back to the President for consideration for Public Assistance as part of Friday’s disaster declaration. It is unknown when or if the President will make his decision.
With this disaster declaration there will be contractors representing FEMA will be in Platte County doing inspections of homes that were affected by the flooding. For more information on this and an example of the official identification the contractors will be wearing, please visit the blog posted yesterday on the topic.
Also, please check the blog posting on the status of the Missouri River Trail. The City and the Office of Emergency Management will continue to keep you informed on the status of the flooding situation and the status of the park and trail system. If you are not connected to the Public Safety and City’s social media sites please check them out and sign up to receive timely official information.
Today’s Blog is going to be somewhat short. There hasn’t been any significant change to the water levels on the Missouri River and the recovery from the high water event is in a wait and see mode. The attached chart shows how the river levels have impacted the area since May 23rd. The only changes in information is that that US Army Corps of Engineers has announced their intentions to decrease the release of water at Gavins Point Dam from 160kcfs to 150 kcfs on August 1st, with discussions of a possible additional decreases on August 15th.
On Friday, the Corps will be announcing a new release schedule. This schedule will be the forecasted release rate of all the dams in the upper Missouri River Basin from July 29th until last August and maybe into September. As soon as that information is available it will be delivered to you. The impact to the levels in the Kansas City areas with a 10kcfs reduction in water is approximately a foot elevation meaning what is now the norm at 31 feet would then be 30 feet. Once the draw down occurs it will take four days for us to see the effects. At river level 26 feet water would be completely out of the E. H. Young Riverfront Park, so we have a ways to go before full recovery can begin.
A request has been made to the USACE to take aerial photos of selected areas in Riverside to show the impact of the flooding. If those photos are released, they will be posted for you to see.
It has been announced that Governor Nixon has requested a major disaster declaration for the State of Missouri from President Barack Obama, as a result of historic Missouri River Flooding and severe weather that has affected the state since June 1. This request is in addition to the President Obama’s Federal Emergency Declaration issued on June 30th, which cleared the way for federal assistance for work and services to save lives and property, including appropriate supplies to support long-term shelter operations for communities forced to evacuate their homes. The disaster declaration will allow for private and public assistance grants to recover from the flooding and other disasters that have occurred within the state. The Riverside Office of Emergency Management has been in contact with its state region coordinator informing the state that Riverside has an interest in participating in a Public Assistance damage assessment. If the President does declare a disaster, Riverside could be eligible to receive FEMA grants for the recovery of damages caused by the high water.
The other news of the day is the excessive heat warning that is in effect until tomorrow evening. There is a short term relief from the heat this weekend and the heat advisories and warning will return next week. Please remember your heat emergency response plan.
The status of the river has not changed in the past week. The levels have been steady between 30.5 to 31.10 feet. The hydrology predictions state the current levels are going to be the norm for the foreseeable future. Most of the water has left the park area but standing water remains in the low areas with no means for it to evacuate. The riverwalk and amphitheater are still under water. The restroom is clear of water.
On my inspection this morning average depth of the park was three-four feet not counting the amphitheater area. The MRT is still closed and water is still on the trail in the areas of Burlington Creek and Intercontinental.
During the conference calls with the State Emergency Management Agency and the US Corps of Engineers release rate at Gavins Point Dam is still at 160kcfs. There has been discussion that on July 30th the release rate might be drawn back to 155kcfs and on July 31st the rate will again be reduced to 150kcfs. As stated, there are several variables that would affect their decisions, so let’s be hopeful.
I have added several photos for today’s blog to show you the status of the park and trail.
The heat is still the main story for Riverside. In today’s Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service they stated the oppressive conditions will dominate the region this afternoon as the heat indices will range from around 105 to 110 degrees. Little relief is in sight. Dangerously hot and humid conditions will continue through Saturday. There is little chance for rain during this period but if they do develop there will not be severe weather. Chances for rain and relief from the heat may arrive Sunday.
Please practice all the heat safety rules, drink plenty of water, stay in an air conditioned environment, wear light colored loose fitting clothing, stay out of the sun and check on relatives, the elderly and pets. Heat Emergency brochures are available at both City Hall and the Public Safety Building.
Be careful out there.
Today the Missouri River is slowly moving back into its banks. Since the river’s crest the river gage readings show that we are now down a foot at 31.4 feet as of 1:30 pm this afternoon. Today’s inspection revealed the right lane and shoulder of southbound Missouri Route 9 are still closed at the Clay/Platte County line with standing water. This water is a result of the heavy rains and back flow from a drainage ditch that runs from the river back to the Briarcliff area. This is the lowest point in elevation in Riverside and is subject to flooding issues when we receive heavy rain fall and high water.
The E. H. Young Riverfront Park is approximately 50% evacuated and the flood damage is starting to reveal itself and extensive cleanup will be in store for city public works staff. Most of the ground cover and foliage has died. Silt and other debris cover the park. The park will be closed for the foreseeable future until the park is fully restored.
During yesterday’s US Army Corps of Engineers conference call, it was reported that the snow pack was in the 5% or less range and no additional reports of snow would be reported. Gavins Point Dam is continuing its 160kcfs and will continue that rate until the lake is within its normal pool. There have been news media reports that as early as August 1st the rate in which the water will be released will be reduced to 150kcfs. Corps officials have not confirmed that information.
The other main story for Riverside is the return of the dangerous heat to the metro area this weekend with the return of the excessive heat alerts. Please use caution when outdoors and practice the heat emergency rules of staying cool and drink plenty of water.
The conditions of the Missouri River are such where things have stabilized and the status of the high water event in Riverside has remained the same for several days. The river crested last week at 32.65 feet/747.0 fMSL at the E. H. Young Riverfront Park. This morning the river is fluctuating around 32.0 feet. Provided we don’t get the three inches of rain in the Upper Missouri Basin the river is projected to fall to in the range of 30.0 feet next week.
During this morning’s inspection there is a noticeable difference in what a half of a foot drop in water has left in the area. Water has stopped flowing from the park into the Holiday Sand and Gravel Property. There is now vehicle access into the sand plant. Water has receded several feet back into the park and has left an obvious demarcation line on the soil, fences, and any other object the water has touched. The riverfront park and the Missouri River Trail are still closed. Phase I of the trail has several feet of water over the trail near Burlington Creek. There is still little or no impact to the Riverside/Quindaro Levee system. Once the water has completely left the park there will be a major cleaning effort to restore the park to what it was before the flooding. Because of this damage in the 2011 Riverfest scheduled for September 16-17, will be moved to the Renner/Brenner Park located at the intersection of Vivion and High Drive, across from the city government complex.
Seeing the damage gives you an understanding of just how polluted the river water is and why we in public safety stress the issue of not coming in contact with any flood water. Photos attached to today’s blog may give you a very good example of why the river water is so dangerous. Based on yesterday’s Corps of Engineers report there is only 6% of the peak snow accumulation left above the Fort Peck, Montana area. Depending on the rains that are forecasted in the area, the release rate at all the dams and reservoirs are being held at their current release rates.
The current concern for emergency management staff is the dangerous heat that is still impacting the region. The heat warning is still in effect until this evening. Heat indices are expected to be in the 105 to 110 degree range. These conditions will lead to an increased risk for heat related illnesses. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stoke which include profuse sweating, weakness, muscle cramps, headache and nausea. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce the risk of these symptoms while working outdoors it is recommended to take scheduled and frequent rest breaks in the shade or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. This is a very dangerous and life threatening situation. Call emergency service by dialing 9-1-1. If you would like more information on how to respond to heat emergencies, view the Heat Emergency Brochure. If you need more information on this or any other emergency management question, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 816.741.1191.
The heavy rains this morning has caused concerns to our citizens on how it’s going to impact the flooding issue in the region. Many of you are monitoring the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service webpage and have seen a dramatic spike in the river gage. That spike is a result of at least two inches of rain that fell in the metro in less than an hour this morning. As you know there are several areas in the Metro that have high water issues when we receive that amount of rainfall in a short period of time. This is the case today and flash flooding issues are occurring.
In Riverside several low lying areas have surface water on them and is slowly draining away. At the Argosy Casino a portable pump was placed to help remove rain water from their west property line where storm water had accumulated. Two other portable pumps are currently operating to remove storm water from the western Tullison Road area and on Riverside Street in the industrial area.
Upstream along the Missouri River they did not receive the rainfall like Kansas City did. A review of the upstream river gages shows no significant impact from this morning’s rain. Currently there are no plans to close any of the levee districts flood gates nor is there an expectation that flood water will impact any of the roadways and businesses along the unprotected portion of the levee.
The more important issue will be the forecasted hot and humid weather conditions that will be returning this weekend and early next week. High temperatures will range from the lower to middle 90s and when added to the high humidity levels, afternoon heat indices will top out between 100 and 105 degrees. Be sure to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in a cool environment and be sure to check on your elderly family members. Please also make sure your pets are in a cool environment with plenty of water also.
As always if any sudden updates to the current conditions within Riverside occur the Office of Emergency Management will activate its reverse 9-1-1 system and make notification over the NIXLE. If you are not signed up to receive NIXLE please go to their website at www.nixle.com to get this free and secure service.
07/05/2011
I hope all of you had a safe and happy July 4th Holiday. During the holiday weekend, the Emergency Management staff monitored all the conference calls from the State Emergency Management Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Checks of the E. H. Young Riverpark Park and the Riverside/Quindaro Levee revealed no additional impact to the city or the levee. The Missouri River crested at a height of 32.45 feet at the Kansas City gage over the weekend and currently is hovering at 32 feet gage/746.3 feet MSL.
In Monday’s Corps briefing, they stated all the levee breaches and overtop areas have now been filled and the river has been equalized. Areas downstream from the upper Missouri River Basin are to expect the river levels to stabilize and remain consistent for the foreseeable future. The Kansas City area should expect river levels to remain in the areas of 30 to 32 feet until Gavins Point Dam release rate is reduced below 160kcfs. The Corps is holding firm that Gavins Point will not increase their current release rate.
EH Young Park and the Missouri River Trail remain closed. The levee district’s stop log gap near the Argosy Casino remains in place and the pump on Riverside Street is operating to remove ground water that has built up in the collection ditch.
Currently there are not planned responses to the effects of the river conditions. Daily blogs may not be necessary but please continue to monitor your NIXLE messages for updates. If there are new updates to the blog you will be notified.
The July 4th Holiday is starting out with another new crest of the Missouri River. The new crest is projected to be at 32.5 feet which is flood stage in Kansas City. The 12:30pm river gage reading was 32.36 feet/746.7 fMSL which is what we hope is going to be the crest. The hydrology predictions state that we should start falling late Saturday evening and fall below flood stage Sunday afternoon. Even though we will fall below flood stage doesn’t mean that the danger is over with this high water event.
The E. H. Young Riverfront Park is approximately 85% inundated and is still closed to all public and vehicle traffic. The Missouri River Trail is still closed with water flooding just west of the trail head and the bridge. Other sections of the trail also have water over it. The entrance has been blocked so vehicle traffic cannot access the trail head.
The Holliday Sand and Gravel Company is now closed and all of their equipment has been evacuated from the sight. With the river now at flood stage, water is now overtaking their property and back filling along the railroad right away into the Young Park. This back fill will be minimal and will not overtop the railroad right of way.
There are sections of the Riverside/Quindaro Levee that now has water at its base. If conditions remain the same there will be no impact with the system. Levee district employees will continue their twice a day inspections to insure that no one is on the levee and any if they notice any damage by animals or other means. These inspections are important to maintain the integrity of the levee system.
With the flooding conditions and with the park and trail closed it is very important to remember that with these closures there are signs that say, “Closed”, “No Trespassing”, and “Do Not Enter”. These signs and closures are for your protection. Do not be like the two people that were caught swimming in the park last evening. They said they didn’t know the park was closed and walked past several signs warning them not to be in the area. Being in river water is highly dangerous. Sewage, chemicals, dead animals, snakes, and other not so friendly things are mixed in with the water. If you have an open sore or cut your skin you could become infected with Tetanus. If infected with Tetanus and left untreated on average 1 in 5 people die from it. If you are exposed to flood water you should go to a medical treatment center and receive a Tetanus shot even if you had one in the past ten years. Riverside Police Officers have been informed to take action if they catch violators.
Because of the July 4th Holiday there will not be any blogs on the website unless there is an emergency notification that needs to be delivered. The NIXLE notification system used by the Department of Public Safety will be used to provide any updates and other official information during the holiday and all other times. If you are not signed up for Nixle please visit their website, www.nixle.com to sign up.
Please have a happy and safe Holiday weekend.
The High Water issues continue in the region and a surge of water from up north is now impacting the Kansas City area. The 12:30 pm river gage reading in Kansas City shows the river is now going to rise to 31.48 feet/745.8 feet MSL at the E. H. Young Riverfront Park. At that level the entire park will be inundated. Back water from Line Creek will be impacting the park but will remain within its banks north of the park. It is not anticipated that water will leave the park and impact the roadways and businesses in the unprotected side of the levee.
The Riverside/Quindaro Bend Levee District closed Argosy Parkway at their stop log gap adjacent to the Argosy Casino Hotel. The purpose of closing the gap was to lessen the workload on district employees if they had to erect several gaps simultaneously. There are concerns about the “R1A” gap which is located at the exit ramp from 9 Highway onto NW Riverway Blvd. The levee district’s “action” stage is 33.8 feet/748.1 MSL. What that means is that the levee district will enter into discussions to determine if the river is still rising and if so, how fast will the river get to 36.6 feet/750.9 feet MSL where water should be at the gap. To erect a stop log gap workers will need at least seven hours to complete their work. If there is a decision to erect the R1A gap or any gap, the City of Riverside will activate its reverse 9-1-1 and the NIXLE notification systems to notify those businesses to put their actions plans into effect on how they will respond to the gap closing and preparation for high water. Public Safety and Emergency Management personnel will make personal visits to businesses to assure they have been notified.
It’s been reported that citizens are walking over the levee at the Argosy Casino to look at the flood waters. This is a dangerous situation. Persons who go onto the levee are trespassing on posted property and subject to police actions.
It is important to understand that the high water issues the region is experiencing is going to be long term and will most likely last into mid to late August. The waters of the river are going to rise and fall with the releases from the Gavins Point dam, rain anywhere in the Missouri River Basin, effects from upstream levee breaches, and other issues that impacts the river levels. We will continue to provide timely and accurate information as it develops.
To help you stay informed please consider signing up to NIXLE. It’s a free and secure service that the Department of Public Safety established to disseminate official information to the community. Go to www.nixle.com to sign up.
The Missouri River gage at Kansas City has broken the 30 foot/744.3 MSL threshold and the high water is now inundating the E. H. Young Riverfront Park. Approximately 30% of the park is affected by water. The riverwalk is covered along with the stage of the amphitheater. Water is just below the floor of the overlook. The garden area is covered along with the low areas at the north end of the ball field and the walking trail and field in the Northwest corner of the park. The Riverside/Quindaro Levee District placed their stop log system on Argosy Parkway adjacent to the Argosy Casino Hotel. This action was done to help secure the park from sightseers and allow their on duty staff to place the wall instead of hiring an outside contractor when additional walls need to be erected simultaneously. The Missouri River is projected to crest at 31.8 feet/746.1 feet MSL Friday afternoon and a slow fall back to 30 feet. Historical records show that when the river stage is at 32 feet the water is contained within the park and has a minor impact on the levee system. Line Creek will be within its banks. There is no anticipation of any high water over any roadways or businesses in the city. There is no threat of severe weather or heavy rains in the area through the July 4th Holiday so the impact to the area should be minimal. Gavin's Point Dam is still releasing 160kcfs and not changes are expected. The major concern at this time is the Excessive Heat warning the National Weather Service has place for the entire Kansas City area from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening. Temperatures are projected to be in the 90s with heat indices ranging from 100 to 108 degrees. This is a dangerous condition for those who are exposed to the outdoors or areas without air conditioning. There is an increased risk to heat related stress and illnesses. Limit your exposure to the elements. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages; stay in air conditioned rooms and out of the sun. Please check on relatives, the elderly and pets.
The Missouri River level will reach 30 feet/744.9 feet MSL at the Missouri River gage sometime this evening on its way to a projected 31.6 feet/745.9 feet MSL on Friday, July 1. The impact to the E. H Young Riverfront Park is more noticeable in the low lying areas. The areas around the Riverwalk and the amphitheater are now inundated as well as the garden area adjacent to the walkway’s turnaround.
In the 11am State Emergency Management Agency’s conference call the National Weather Service stated we should be in a dry period between now and through the July 4th Holiday with possible pop up shower. The major issue now is the excessive heat in the area this week with 100 to 105 degree heat indexes.
The Riverside/Quindaro Levee District pumps there were operating to remove access rainwater from Tullison Road and Riverside Street has been shutdown tonight. The district has also requested to place their stop log gap on Argosy Parkway adjacent to the Argosy Casino. This is early and out of their sequence in their action plan but it will assist the city in making the park more secure and also a cost savings to the district in their operation. If you see this work being done please don’t be alarmed.
Photos are at the bottom of this page of this evenings patrol and reflect the impact to the city at 30 feet gage/744.9 feet MSL.
The Kansas City area received an average of 1.30 inches of rain Sunday night which has caused some minor low lying flooding in flood prone areas in the Metro. Upstream of Kansas City the region received 1.5 to 2 inches of rain. This rain has impacted the river system up stream where there are new levee overtop issues at the Platte/Buchanan County line. Several other levees in the Bean Lake area are weakened and there maybe a chance of failing.
The current level of the Missouri River is 28.23 feet/242.5 feet MSL. The river is projected to crest at 31.9 feet/746.2 feet MSL sometime Wednesday. The E. H. Young Riverfront Park is still closed with minor flooding along the Riverwalk, amphitheater and draining outlets in the open fields. Parkville officials have closed the English Landing Park because of safety issues associated with the rising river. The Missouri River Trail is also closed on all sections of the trail because of the high water issue. New photos can be seen at the bottom of the page.
The Riverside/Quindaro Levee District currently has one pump operating to relieve rain water from the low lying area of Tullison Road west of Argosy Casino Parkway.
Report from the Gavins Point dam is still showing the release rate of 160kcfs and is projected to remain at that rate.
The City will remain vigilant in keeping the community informed on the high water issue and if there is a need to take immediate action notification through our Nixle and reverse 9-1-1 systems will alert you to any warnings. If you are not receiving official information from Nixle, please visit www.Nixle.com and sign up for free and secure official notifications from the City.
This morning the river levels along the Missouri River is above 27 feet at the Kansas City river gage, which calculates to 741.6 feet above sea level at the E. H. Young Riverfront Park. Minor flooding is starting to occur within the park at its lowest elevation and in the amphitheater. The river forecast is currently showing the river will crest at 29.8 feet sometime on Sunday with a slow drop in the 28 foot range. There is a prediction for the areas north of Kansas City receiving an additional 1 to 1-1/2 inches of additional rain this weekend that may impact the river readings.
Gavins Point Dam is currently releasing water at a rate of 160,000 cubic feet per second which will add an additional .7 to 1 feet to the previous calculations of 30 and 39 feet on the river gage. This rise should have a minimal impact to our current operational plans.
To give you a perspective of what 27 gage feet/741.6 MSL looks like in relation to how it is impacting our city, several photos are included with this blog at the bottom of the page. As the levels of the river rise there will be additional updates with photos to keep you informed how the City is being impacted.
The Riverside/Quindaro Bend Levee district is currently installing a portable pump that will help evacuate rain water from the area of Tullison Road near the KCPL substation at its lowest point.
We do not expect there will be a need for evacuation of the unprotected side of the levee. The City will continue to keep you informed to the progress of this high water event and if you should have additional questions please contact Mike Shelton, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator at 816-741-1191. If you haven’t sign up to NIXLE to receive official notifications from the City of Riverside, visit www.nixle.com and sign up today. This is a free and secure way to receive official information.
The City of Riverside and the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Emergency Management is continuing its monitoring of the high water event that is occurring along the Missouri River. Currently, the water is at 26.6 feet and is projected to rise at 30 feet on Saturday morning. Because of these levels, EH Young Park and Missouri Riverfront Trail will remained closed. The US Army Corps of Engineers has recently announced that they are going to increase the release amounts at the Gavins Point Dam to 160,000cfs by Thursday, June 23.
Current calculations reflect that there will be a ¾ to 1 foot increase in the river stages based on the previously published estimate. Again, the travel time from Gavins Point to the Kansas City area is 4 days meaning that on Monday, June 29, the additional water should be arriving.
The City, emergency management, the Riverside-Quindaro Bend Levee, and the Corp of Engineers will continue to monitor the river levels and if there are going to be any response actions taken the public will be notified. We do not anticipate any immediate response actions at this time. The impact to the community based on the new release amounts should be minimal in the non-protected areas.
To receive more information on the high water issues the following websites may be of service to you.
The Office of Emergency Management encourages you to sign up at www.nixle.com to receive notification of any updates to our website on flood information. This sign up is free and secure. Should you have any additional questions please call Mike Shelton, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator at 816-741-1191.
Thank you to everyone who attended our public meeting this morning! We had a great turn out and were able to answer a variety of questions about the City’s flood fight plan.
Stay Informed
This webpage is the best way to stay informed about the rising water in Riverside. All City updates will be posted here first. You can also receive updates through Nixle (http://www.riversidemo.com/emergencymanagement/nixle).
Park and Trail Closing
EH Young Riverfront Park and the Missouri Riverfront Trail will close on Friday due to anticipated high water for an undetermined length of time. Zone 1 of the Missouri Riverfront Trail (near the west trailhead) may close sooner if there is water on the trail.
Judd Kneuvean, Emergency Management Chief with the Army Corps of Engineers will be in attendance at tomorrow's Public Meeting to take any questions regarding how the projected high waters will impact the City of Riverside.
Public Meeting
There will be a special meeting Tuesday, June 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Riverside City Hall. City staff members will be on hand to give you an update on the projected water levels and measures being taken. This meeting will be open to the public.
BNSF Railroad Crossings
BNSF notified the City today that they have started the process of removing warning devices (flashing lights and gates) from at-grade crossing that will be impacted by the flood. If a train moves through any crossing that normally has active warning devices, BNSF will manually flag at the crossing. Following the flood, BNSF will restore the equipment as soon as possible.
The following crossings in Riverside will be impacted:
Since the 2007 high water event, the City of Riverside has developed a Flood Fight Action Plan to allow staff to estimate when high water will affect certain parts of the community. The estimates are based off readings at the Hannibal Gauge (near the Broadway Bridge) on the Missouri River.
26 ft - water enters EH Young Park
33 ft - Levee Gate at 9 Hwy and Riverway Blvd Closes
43.5 ft - Levee Gate at west City limits on 9 Hwy Closes
Based on current information from the Corps of Engineers, the flood level is projected to be potentially 30 to 39 feet at the Hannibal Gauge. For reference, in 2007, the Hannibal Gauge reading was 35.07 feet.
This afternoon, City of Riverside staff and elected officials met with emergency management officials from Platte County and Levee District representatives to discuss the City’s flood fighting plan.
The City’s flood fighting plan utilizes data collected from the 2007 floods to help determine when flooding may occur at certain places throughout town. Right now, Riverside is not planning any sandbagging efforts and will rely on the levee to protect the City. Minor flooding in low lying areas may occur in unprotected areas, however, and in EH Young Riverfront Park.
Based on current information provided from the Corps of Engineers, the City is planning on declaring a state of emergency later today. Please note that this is strictly a preventative measure and will enable the City to respond without delay if necessary.
All updates on the flood fighting efforts will be posted on this webpage as they become available. This will be the City’s official method for disseminating information and the most reliable and timely way to get updates.
If you have a business that is located in an area that may be impacted by flooding, the City’s fire marshal’s office would be happy to meet with you. Please contact Assistant Fire Marshal Keith Payne at (816) 741-1191.
