Valley Watch

June 18, 2015

As of this morning, the observed Missouri River level based upon the gauge reading at  Hermann was at 29.1, with an expected crest of 29.3 Saturday. 

The Chesterfield Valley Watch procedure outlines a process of monitoring and information which is to occur at various observed and predicted river levels.  Accordingly, at a Hermann gauge reading of 29, the "Watch" phase is initiated, where the City of Chesterfield Department of Public Services formally monitors the river forecasts and shares levels as appropriate.  Please understand that the watch phase is the initial level of implementation and corresponds to the least level of concern as it relates to the Chesterfield Valley.  The Herman gauge is upstream of Chesterfield Valley, and reflects a day ahead of what is expected for the Missouri River at Chesterfield.   

These forecasts include all prior and all predicted precipitation.  

The gauge in St. Charles read at 30.41 this morning and the forecast shows an expected crest of 32 sometime late Saturday.  Obviously, weather is a precarious creature and things change, which is why we watch the levels and monitor conditions fairly continuously.

River levels were significantly higher in June of 2013, when the gauge at Herman crested at 33.14 feet and the St. Charles Gauge crested at 33.81. 

While the river may not be a major current concern, I certainly hope everyone understands that Flash Flooding is a significant and ongoing concern anytime we have saturated soil conditions and high receiving river elevations.  Creeks, streams, and even minor drainage channels can quickly swell from their banks during a heavy rain and create serious concerns.  Please do not drive your vehicles into any area where the road may be flooded.  It is impossible to determine the depth and force of flowing water across a flooded street.  Be safe, do not drive into a flooded road!   A vehicle can float with as little as 8 inches of water. 

So, to summarize, the City of Chesterfield is very much aware of the predictions for rain. We are very much aware of river elevations and predicted levels.  But at this juncture, there is simply not a significant concern for the river levels as observed or predicted.  In the event the predictions or observed conditions change significantly, we will follow the procedures outlined in the valley flood watch\warning policy.

If you want to regularly receive those updates if and when, a watch goes into effect, you can sign up for our e mail list serve on the City’s website.  WWW.Chesterfield.mo.us.  Click on the Government tab and look for “Web\e mail notifications”.  You can subscribe to as much or as little information as you desire.  You manage your subscription and can discontinue any time.  But this is the best way to ensure that you receive any mass notifications.

River Level at Hermann, MO

River Level at St. Charles, MO