Frequently Asked Questions

The Kansas District receives numerous inquiries, by phone or mail, from citizens attempting to obtain scientific information on a wide variety of subjects, including floods and droughts. While we always make every attempt to fill an information request, we also feel it is our responsibility to pass on to the appropriate person or agency any request that we are unable to handle directly. Listed below are some frequently asked questions with answers to better guide you in obtaining appropriate information.

Where can I obtain information about streamflow and drought conditions for streams in Kansas?

Contact the River Forecast Center at (816) 540-5151.

More information may be obtained on the Internet at the following sites:

for real-time streamflow information in Kansas
for a daily streamflow map of the United States showing current discharge in percentile of historical flow for that day

What is the status of the lakes and reservoirs in Kansas?

Lakes and Reservoirs in Kansas

What areas of the United States are experiencing drought?

On the Internet check the following sites:

What is a drought?

Some sites that help in understanding droughts are:

What can I do to conserve water during a drought?

The American Red Cross has compiled a fact sheet on water conservation during drought conditions

How does El Niño/La Niña affect droughts/floods?

In Kansas, there is a tendency for El Niño to increase rainfall slightly and for La Niña to decrease it slightly. Normally, during an El Niño, the southern half of the Nation is wet while the northern half is dry. During the La Niña, this tendency is reversed. Kansas, being in the center of the Nation, can go either way.

On the internet check the following sites: