Flooding is happening throughout the Midwest, but the Kansas River is under control for now.

The Kaw is just under 14 feet, about 4 feet from flood stage, according to Douglas County Emergency Management, which is monitoring the river daily.

Flooding here isn’t imminent.

“This might be a little high compared to the last couple of years, but pretty much right around average is what we’re looking at,” said Jillian Blair, emergency management assistant director.

Officers check the river daily when it is over 12 feet; flooding begins at 18 feet. The team sends all the levels to the National Weather Service, which tracks the numbers for river forecasts. Experts predict Lawrence will probably stay flood free.

“They were thinking that the river would stay pretty close to where it is,” said Blair. “They’re expecting a slow decline throughout the rest of the week.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Clinton Lake report that the lake is up about 6 feet. Clinton water discharge goes from the Wakarusa River to the Kaw to the Missouri River.

“We have to watch the flood event,” said operations manager Lew Ruona. “These are flood control lakes, so it’s critical that we as an agency protect and serve the country in that regard instead of adding to the problem.”

Ruona is hoping that in two weeks Clinton Lake’s pool level will be back to normal.

The lake is just one part of a national chain that provides flood control for the central part of the country, Ruona said.

But even if flooding isn’t expected in Douglas County, that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t be prepared.

“Flash flooding can happen very quickly and can sweep vehicles away,” said Blair. “Even though we’re not looking at a major flood event right now, we’re still in the middle of severe weather season.”

Once the river returns to 12.5 feet or less, emergency management will check the levels weekly.