Spillway - Wichita, KS

The spillway is used for a whitewater local play hole. It is located just upstream from the 21st Bridge that crosses the Big Arkansas River in Wichita, KS. Plenty of parking is provided in the Big Arkansas River Park located on river right just north of 21st street. In the bigger picture, this is located about ¾ mile west of 21st and Amidon or ¼ mile east of 21st and West Street. From the I-235 bypass, exit at the Meridian exit. Proceed south about 2 miles. Meridian jogs and turns into Amidon. Turn west at 21st North and Amidon. Proceed about ¾ mile west.

The spillway consists of four square 12 foot openings (“the tubes”) in the flood control dike know to Wichitians as the “big ditch”. At levels below approximately 4000 cfs, the Big Arkansas River flow through these openings and can be accurately measured with the Maize gage. Higher readings will not accurately measure spillway flow due to the overflow into the floodway and merging of the overflow from the Little Arkansas River. The Little Arkansas River contributes to the spillway flow when its level is above approximately 2000 cfs. 

The far west opening is known as hole number one. Hole number one sometimes provides fun at levels down to 100 cfs on the Maize gage. This is particularly true when brush partially blocks the flow through holes three and four and most of the water is diverted through hole number one and two. At levels of 250 or more you can count on having some fun in the upper holes. Each hole is slightly different and reduces in intensity toward the east. At a level of about 800 cfs the upper holes begin to be quite a bit for novices.

The “lower ledge” is located about 100 feet below the openings in the tubes. This ledge would be a weir dam if it were not for several rocks interrupting the flow. The ledge is filled in with sand when the river has been down for a few days. The sand washes out when the river comes up making the “lower ledge” a hot spot for surfing at all but the highest flow levels. At higher levels this wave spits out even the most experienced boaters. The wave appears to be great down to about 1600 cfs and still plenty of fun down to about 500 cfs. Beginners can find a small wave down to about 250 cfs provided the hole has not had time to fill in with sand.

Notes:

It is customary to notify the Wichita Police when kayaking activities begin and end. They get many cell phone calls from highway drivers who think boaters are in trouble.

Even at lower levels, helmets and a paddling partner are a must for this spot.

Be cautious of rebar near the banks.

Please don’t leave anything in your vehicle to reward a criminal. Theft seems to occur about once a year.

Rivers Menu

WichitaPaddler.com - Home Page

TrainingRegister.com

© 2005 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved