By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
As the removal process for the 'log jam' along the Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Park continues, heavy rainfall from this week's storms have increased water flow.
With Saline County currently under a flood warning until Wednesday, the Saline County Emergency Management team stated heavy rainfall of up to 12 inches has caused widespread flooding across the western half of the county. This has also also caused rising river levels that are expected to continue through Wednesday.
Here is a list of current river conditions for the Smoky Hill River as of Tuesday morning:
- Smoky Hill River (Mentor): Expected to crest near 24.3 ft – near record flooding possible.
- Smoky Hill River (Lindsborg): Crest near 27.5 ft – minor flooding.
- Smoky Hill River (New Cambria): Crest near 30.3 ft – roads into New Cambria may be cut off.
According to Utilities Director for the City of Salina Martha Tasker, the rainfall from the rivers (listed above) have come through the log jam near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Parks. She added that a projection of water flow rate is expected to be peaked by 1:00 pm on Wednesday.
Tasker stated the Cubic Feet per Second (water flow rate) right now is 3,290 cfs and is anticipated to rise up to 4,050 cfs by tomorrow (unofficial). This would make the water levels rise up by a couple feet of where it is currently at.
"The rain events we have had are not normal," said Tasker.
DIEHL Enterprises Inc. is the construction company currently removing the log jam.