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Random Rippling - The Flood
posted: Aug. 27, 2026

The White River reached within a couple of feet of record flood levels. Readers sent in photos that I have included here.
The Broad Ripple levee system worked properly to keep the river out entirely (Ravenswood and Rocky Ripple did not have that protection), but the old flood gate between 65th and 66th on the White River must have failed in some way. It was letting water come from the river back up though the manhole cover by the caboose on Cornell Avenue. This flooded the streets and many businesses, all the way over to the old fire station on Guilford.

The river water coming up through the manhole cover by the Caboose on Cornell.
The river water coming up through the manhole cover by the Caboose on Cornell.
Quan

The water quickly spread past the new Goodwill offices on 64th.
The water quickly spread past the new Goodwill offices on 64th.
Quan

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In a 2006 article for the Broad Ripple Gazette this was said about that gate:
"This is part of Phase IIIC of the Indianapolis North levee project, our joint project with the US Army Corps of Engineers," said Margie Smith-Simmons, public information officer for the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works. "Unlike the overall project, this component is locally funded since the Corps classifies this work as operations and maintenance. The project involves rehabilitation/reconstruction of the outfall gate structure of the North Keystone Relief Storm Sewer system and includes sluice gate replacement, power restoration, structure rehab, safety enhancements, erosion repair and new site accessibility construction (the access road). The operation of the gate closure is essential to prevent back-flooding of the Broad Ripple area when the river reaches a 25-year event flood level."

the flood gate on the river side taken in 2006
the flood gate on the river side taken in 2006
Quan

The entire article is here.
The "geyser" flood also occurred back in 2012, but that may have been different. In that incident, there were multiple geysers coming from the sewers. Here is our coverage of that one.


Some photos of the high water around the Monon Trail.

Random Rippling - The Flood
image courtesy of Heidi Huff
Quan

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Random Rippling - The Flood
image courtesy of Heidi Huff
Quan

Debris coming down over the spillway at 73rd and Westfield piled up at the Monon Trail.
Debris coming down over the spillway at 73rd and Westfield piled up at the Monon Trail.
image courtesy of Heidi Huff
Quan

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The recent flood wall levee system was engaged, but the levels did not reach there this time.
The recent flood wall levee system was engaged, but the levels did not reach there this time.
image courtesy of Heidi Huff
Quan

The flood wall levee system closed for the first time on the north end of Opti Park.
The flood wall levee system closed for the first time on the north end of Opti Park.
Quan

Artspark flooded at the Indy Art Center
Artspark flooded at the Indy Art Center
image courtesy of Heidi Huff
Quan

A stray pontoon boat ended up at the Monon bridge at 73rd.
A stray pontoon boat ended up at the Monon bridge at 73rd.
image courtesy of Rich Richey


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