Corps Updated Missouri River Flood Flow Estimates
New data from a multi-year study provides updated flood-frequency estimates for 10 river gauges.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released updated flow-frequency estimates for the lower Missouri River following a multi-year study. The findings cover 10 river gauges spanning from Yankton, South Dakota, to Hermann, Missouri.
Why it matters
The updated estimates were initiated to better understand flood risks following historic flooding events on the river in 2011 and 2019. These improved calculations help define potential floodwater heights between levees at various flow levels.
The study analyzed flow-frequency estimates at 10 river gauges located between Yankton, South Dakota, and Hermann, Missouri. The second phase of the analysis used these figures to calculate potential floodwater heights between levees.
The players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This federal agency is responsible for engineering services, environmental restoration, and water resource management across the United States.
The details
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the study in two phases to refine hydrological data along the lower Missouri River. The results are now available for public review on the agency website.
Timeline
Historic floods occurred on the Missouri River in 2011.
Historic floods occurred on the Missouri River in 2019.
The first public webinar is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
The second public webinar is scheduled for November 6, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The study directly addresses the long-term hydrological impact of the 2011 and 2019 Missouri River floods. It serves to formalize updated flow-frequency estimates that reflect the extreme weather volatility observed during those major regional disasters.
Residents and stakeholders in levee districts should review the updated study results to understand potential changes in local floodwater heights. The agency will offer individual meetings with levee districts to discuss specific system effects.
The takeaway
The updated data provides critical information for long-term regional flood management and infrastructure planning. Stakeholders should participate in the upcoming webinars to clarify how these changes affect local levee systems.
What happens next
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold two public webinars to discuss these findings on November 2, 2026, and November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on regional environmental updates, visit the Current Conditions section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MSC News.
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