The Marais des Cygnes river and its floodplain shape low-lying Bates County

The Marais des Cygnes River flows through Bates County. Its name is usually translated as “marsh of the swans.” The river enters the county from the Kansas line. There it joins other streams to form the Osage River system. The land along the river, called bottomland, is rich farm ground. But it is also floodplain, which means it can flood. Low spots and bottom roads can go underwater when the water rises. So if you are buying land near the river or in a low spot, do your homework on flooding. Find out if the land sits in a mapped flood zone. Find out if you will likely need flood insurance. And check which roads tend to close. FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center is the official place to look up the flood zone for one address. MoDOT’s traveler information shows which state roads are closed during a flood. The flood and insurance picture is worth confirming for the exact address rather than assuming it from the neighborhood.