Major Flood
27 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
24 ft
Minor Flood
20 ft
Action Stage
18 ft
What Floods at Each Level
27 ft
Major and widespread flooding is anticipated. The left bank begins to overflow into the city of Ellsworth.
24 ft
Extensive flooding of low-lying areas and roads around the area will be impacted including Highway 14. The bridge on Highway 14 becomes flooded along with some homes around the area.
23 ft
The road 100 feet south of the Highway 14 Bridge will become inundated with about 1 ft depth of water.
21 ft
About 100 feet south of the Highway 14 Bridge the road becomes flooded.
20 ft
Some flooding of low-lying areas, bottom land and roads near the gage site can be expected. The Highway 14 Bridge is closed to southbound traffic at the gage site.
18 ft
Overflows occur on the right bank near the gage site on Highway 14 in the southwest side of town. The bridge at the gage site is closed to southbound traffic.
17 ft
Minor rural overflows begin at this level.
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 22, 1993 | 30.07 ft | 61,000 cfs |
| May 31, 1938 | 27.2 ft | 61,000 cfs |
| Aug 12, 1927 | 25.7 ft | 44,800 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ELWK1
River
Smoky Hill River
County
Ellsworth, KS
Coordinates
38.7267°N, 98.2333°W
Get Flood Alerts for Smoky Hill 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 Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth?
The Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth gauge is maintained by USGS (site 06864500) 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 Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth is 20 feet. Action stage begins at 18 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 24 feet, and major flooding at 27 feet.
How do I get alerts when Smoky Hill River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth 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 Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth gauge located?
The gauge is located in Ellsworth County, Kansas at coordinates 38.7267°N, 98.2333°W. USGS site number: 06864500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Smoky Hill River
On This River
Downstream: Smoky Hill River at Kanopolis 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 and future precipitation. Forecast stages may be different if forecast future rainfall does not occur.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.