The three federally-managed reservoirs in the KVOE listening area have increased their water discharge rates after heavy rainfall a week ago and with more rain in the forecast this week.
Late last week, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Tulsa District increased the discharge from Council Grove Reservoir to nearly 1,000 cubic feet per second with the lake nearly five feet above normal elevation. That increased flow rate continues at this time.
This will keep the Neosho River elevated downstream, but the river is currently well below flood stages at Americus, Emporia and Neosho Rapids.
The Tulsa District has also increased the discharge for John Redmond Reservoir to over 8,300 cubic feet per second with the lake over 9 feet above normal elevation. The Neosho River at Burlington will remain elevated until further notice.
The Corps’ Kansas City Office began discharging 1,500 cubic feet per second from Melvern Lake early Monday. The goal is to start release as much as 3,000 cubic feet per second as soon as Tuesday, depending on weather and downstream conditions.
The lake is currently 10 feet above normal elevation. The Marais des Cygnes near Quenemo is staying elevated until further notice.
Area residents got anywhere from 3-9 inches of rainfall May 16. Residents have had varying rainfall totals since then.
