Excelsior Springs sits in a river valley, and the Fishing River has a record of leaving its banks. For an owner in the central core, the question after a flash flood is how fast the contaminated water can come out.
Key takeaways
- The city's 2009 plan blames the deep Fishing River valley, limited flood storage area and the shape of the watershed for repeated flooding, often flash floods, in the central core.
- Major floods hit downtown in 1941, 1943, 1947, 1951, 1969 and 1993, according to the plan.
- On June 3, 2015, flash flooding sent the river over its banks, roads and bridges and up against the Elms Hotel.
- River water is contaminated, so porous materials are removed and hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
- Extraction, removal and measured drying happen in that order.
Why the central core floods
The Fishing River valley cuts across Excelsior Springs from northwest to southeast, roughly from Crystal Lake to Lake Maurer. The city's 2009 comprehensive plan says the deep valley, limited flood storage area and the shape of the surrounding watershed have produced repeated flooding, and often flash floods, especially in the central core.
A major tributary drains from the north along the Salem Road and Main Street corridor and meets the main stream just south of downtown. A second tributary west of Titus Avenue flows into the Fishing River west of Lake Maurer.
Downtown has unusually short blocks that give it far more building frontage than a typical downtown, and its core holds some of the largest traditional hotel buildings. A flash flood in that part of the valley meets many buildings at once.
June 3, 2015: the river over its banks
On June 3, 2015, flash flooding sent the Fishing River over its banks, roads and bridges and up against the historic Elms Hotel. The water stopped just short of a row of historic houses.
A resident said afterward that the river had not looked that bad since the Flood of 1993, and that the river is normally low. Flash floods on a normally low river are the kind that catch people off guard.
A river that is normally low can rise quickly, and a flash flood leaves little time to react. Preparing before the forecast matters more than reacting after.
Floods named in the city's plan
The plan lists major floods in downtown Excelsior Springs across several decades. The list is a reminder that the river's history is long.
A number of properties along North Main were acquired as part of flood abatement efforts. That shows flood abatement has been part of the city's response to the river.
- 1941, 1943 and 1947.
- 1951 and 1969.
- 1993, the most recent major downtown flood named in the plan.
Cleanup steps after a flash flood
River water is not clean. The steps below follow the same order for a house, a shop or a hotel.
Safety and contamination
Flood water carries silt, fuel residue and sometimes sewage, so it is handled as Category 3. Power to wet areas should be shut off by an electrician or the utility.
Standing water can hide holes, debris and open drains, so it should not be waded through without need.
- Wear boots, gloves and a mask for any contact with flood water.
- Keep children and pets away from wet rooms.
- Do not use a household vacuum on a wet floor.
Extraction and removal
The extraction crew pumps out standing water, and water extraction comes first because water left in drywall and flooring keeps wicking upward. Silt is shoveled out and bagged.
Carpet, pad, insulation and drywall that soaked up river water are cut out and removed.
- Drywall is cut above the waterline.
- Wet insulation is bagged.
- Flooring that soaked up river water is lifted.
Drying and checking
Air movers and dehumidifiers run until moisture readings match a dry reference. Storm and flash flood cleanup finishes when the readings, not the surface, say the structure is dry.
Hidden moisture in framing is why structural drying readings continue after a room looks clean.
Mud, silt and odor after river water
River water leaves more than moisture. Fine silt works into carpet, baseboards and cabinets, and it holds smell and bacteria long after the water is gone.
Silt dries into a crust that is harder to remove, so it is washed away early. Surfaces that cannot be washed, like upholstered furniture, are usually discarded.
Odor is a sign that something is still wet. If a smell returns after cleaning, the source is usually a hidden wet spot in a wall or under flooring.
- Shovel and bag silt before it dries.
- Wash hard surfaces and floors with cleaner, then disinfect.
- Remove baseboards so wall bottoms can dry.
- Clean or replace HVAC filters and check ductwork near the floor.
- Discard food and medicine that touched the water.
Historic houses and older buildings
The city's landmark buildings include the Elms Hotel of 1912 and the Hall of Waters, completed in 1937. Historic structures need controlled drying, since plaster and wood trim can crack or warp if they dry too fast.
The drying team adjusts airflow and humidity to the finish, and asks before removing original material.
Landmark buildings and traditional hotels are valued for their original materials, so a careful plan before work starts avoids damage during cleanup.
- Photograph original finishes before any removal.
- Dry plaster and wood slowly with controlled airflow.
- Ask before taking out original trim or flooring.
- Keep removed material labeled when it can be saved.
Preparing for the next flash flood
The Elms Hotel's general manager has said the hotel prepares for the Fishing River with sandbags, plywood and plastic. A property owner can borrow the idea at any scale.
Insurance for flood is usually separate from standard coverage, so checking it before a storm leaves time to decide what to buy. More about local cleanup options is on the Excelsior Springs flood pages.
- Know where the electrical panel and main water shutoff are.
- Move valuables, papers and electronics off the lowest floor.
- Keep sandbags, plywood and plastic sheeting where they can be reached quickly.
- Keep a dated photo inventory of belongings on a phone.
- Check the insurance policy for flood, surface water and sewer backup separately.
- Keep a charged phone and a flashlight where they can be reached quickly.
Questions
Why does the Fishing River flood downtown Excelsior Springs?
The city's plan points to the deep valley, limited flood storage area and the shape of the surrounding watershed, which have produced repeated flooding and often flash floods.
What happened on June 3, 2015?
Flash flooding sent the Fishing River over its banks, roads and bridges and up against the Elms Hotel. The water stopped just short of a row of historic houses.
Is river flood water safe to clean up without help?
It is contaminated, so protective gear and care around electricity are essential. Large losses usually need extraction equipment and measured drying.
What happens to carpet and drywall after a flash flood?
Porous materials that soaked up river water are usually removed. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned, disinfected and dried.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Standard homeowners policies commonly exclude flood, and coverage is usually a separate policy. The policy wording and the source of the water decide what applies.
How is a historic building dried differently?
Airflow and humidity are managed more gently, and original materials are photographed and kept where possible. Fast drying can crack plaster and warp wood trim.