Turkey Creek (Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turkey Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Counties | Johnson and Wyandotte |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lenexa, Kansas 1,047 feet (319 m) 38°58′04″N 94°43′04″W / 38.9677839°N 94.7177373°W |
| River mouth | Kansas River 722 feet (220 m) 39°04′38″N 94°37′08″W / 39.0772269°N 94.6188457°W |
| Length | 10.7 miles (17.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Kansas—Missouri—Mississippi |
| Basin size | 19,898 acres (8,052 ha) |
| GNIS | 479260 |
Turkey Creek is a small stream in Kansas, United States. It flows through Johnson and Wyandotte counties. This creek is a tributary of the Kansas River. Its end point, or mouth, is near downtown Kansas City.
Turkey Creek is known for its tendency to flood. Because of this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has put in place special measures to help control floods. A part of the stream, about 1,261 feet (384 m) long, actually flows through an underground tunnel.
Contents
Where Does Turkey Creek Flow?
Turkey Creek starts in Lenexa, Kansas. It then travels through parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. Finally, it joins the larger Kansas River.
Its Journey to the Sea
The water from Turkey Creek eventually reaches the Mississippi River. First, it flows into the Kansas River. The Kansas River then joins the Missouri River. The Missouri River then flows into the mighty Mississippi River. From there, the water travels all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Why Does Turkey Creek Flood?
Streams like Turkey Creek can flood for several reasons. Heavy rainfall is a common cause. If a lot of rain falls quickly, the creek can overflow its banks. This can cause water to spread into nearby areas.
What Happened in the 1998 Flood?
In 1998, Turkey Creek experienced a very big flood. This event caused a lot of damage. It resulted in over $50 million in damage to homes and businesses. This major flood showed how important it was to find ways to control the water.
How is Flooding Controlled?
To prevent future floods, engineers have worked on Turkey Creek. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a group that helps manage water projects. They built special structures to help control the flow of water.
The Underground Tunnel
One interesting part of the flood control plan is a long tunnel. About 1,261 feet (384 m) of Turkey Creek flows through this tunnel. This helps guide the water safely, especially during heavy rains. It prevents the water from overflowing in populated areas.
