Major Flood
30 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
27 ft
Minor Flood
19 ft
Action Stage
15 ft
What Floods at Each Level
37 ft
Levee along the Big Blue River is overtopped.
30 ft
Structures along and north of Prospect Street and along Messenger Road flood.
27 ft
Structures along Harwood Road flood.
19 ft
Minor low land flooding begins along the river.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 1951 | 36.04 ft | 93,400 cfs |
| Jul 22, 1993 | 32.71 ft | 58,800 cfs |
| Jun 1, 2019 | 22.41 ft | — |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Big Blue River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Big Blue River near Manhattan?
The Big Blue River near Manhattan gauge is maintained by USGS (site 06887000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Big Blue River near Manhattan?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Blue River near Manhattan is 19 feet. Action stage begins at 15 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 27 feet, and major flooding at 30 feet.
How do I get alerts when Big Blue River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Big Blue River near Manhattan to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Big Blue River near Manhattan gauge located?
The gauge is located in Riley County, Kansas at coordinates 39.2372°N, 96.5711°W. USGS site number: 06887000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Big Blue River
On This River
Upstream: Big Blue River at Tuttle Creek Lake
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.