RIVER LEVELS
At about 2 p.m. Tuesday, the Missouri River stage was 22.1 feet.  That number was expected to rise to 23.1 feet by 7pm, Saturday evening (June 11).  Gavin’s Point dam flow releases were at 130,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with increases to 140,000 cfs Wednesday.  For each 10,000 cfs increase, the Missouri River, at St. Joseph, will rise approximately 1 foot.  The United States Corps of Engineers predicts river levels to be in a range from 27 to 32 feet at St. Joseph, depending on rain fall south of Gavin’s Point dam.

SANDBAGGING OPERATIONS / VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (click here)

POSSIBLE EVACUATIONS
Preparations are underway for two areas of the city should it become necessary to evacuate due to the high levels of the river. The north area, along Water Works Road, will be placed under a voluntary evacuation when / if the river reaches a level of 25 feet. Mandatory evacuation will occur when / if the river levels reach 27 feet. Residents in this area will be notified accordingly.

The other area of concern is in the south side of the city. When river levels reach approximately 30 feet, it will become necessary to begin the voluntary evacuation process. Final details of this plan will be released in the near future.

RUMORS
Two rumors have surfaced, which the city wishes to dispel.

Drinking water supply – Officials at Missouri American Water have assured city officials that the city’s water supply is not, nor will it be, in jeopardy.

Blowing levees – There is no plan to deliberately cause a levee to fail. The 2011 event is a sustained event, unlike past river floods. There is no advantage gained by deliberately causing one levee to fail in hope of lowering the river elevation for another levee downstream.

City officials will continue to monitor the river elevations in the coming days and weeks. For more information, residents can check cable channel 19 or visit the city’s website at www.stjoemo.info. Updates will be posted as necessary.