City of Prairie Du Chien update
Prairie du Chien city officials continue to closely monitor the potential for a moderate to major flooding event on the Mississippi River late next week. The latest projections from the National Weather Service show the river reaching a stage of 19.1 feet on Friday October 1st. Flood stage is 16 feet, and that level is expected to be passed early on Wednesday September 29th. The moderate flood stage is 19 feet, and a major flood event, which is not expected at this time, is 22 feet.
“We had a planning meeting this morning (Friday) with officials from Crawford County, the DNR, our neighboring townships, the school district, and other area representatives,” said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. “While we are encouraged by the fact that less rain fell on Thursday than was originally predicted, we are still making preparations for some possible flooding in and around the city. I do want to stress that, at this time, we do not expect any major interruptions to the daily activity of the city, but we do want to be pro-active in our approach.”
If the projected level of 19.1 feet is reached, it would be the highest the Mississippi has been in the fall season since 1987, and would be the highest overall level reached since April 2001. The last flood event on the river came in April 2008, when the waters crested at 17.02 feet.
City officials continue to urge residents and businesses that were impacted by the flooding in 2001 to make preparations. These preparations would include putting together a 2-3 day personal hygiene and grooming kit, sleeping items and changes of clothing. Officials have identified Hoffman Hall as the primary location for any residents who have to re-locate due to rising waters.
“We have sandbags ready to be filled, with the help of Department of Corrections’ inmates, and those bags would be available for residents starting on Monday morning,” said Co-Public Works Manager Larry Gates. Residents who need sandbags should contact the Crawford County Emergency Government center at 326- 0266.
City officials are also considering a temporary emergency slow no-wake declaration for the Mississippi River if conditions warrant, as well as the closure of some city streets along the water. Further updates will be issued as needed, and will be posted on the city’s website (http://www.prairieduchien-wi.gov/)
Current Area Flood Warnings
Kickapoo River at Gays Mills from Sunday Morning to Tuesday Morning. The NWS forecast is for the Kickapoo River to rise above flood stage Sunday morning and crest near 13.3 feet by Monday morning. Flood stage is 13 feet. At 13 feet water begins to cover roads near the river and minor flooding occurs in areas adjacent to the river.
Wisconsin River at Muscoda from Monday Morning to Friday, October 1. Moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Monday Morning and continue to rise to near 10 feet Wednesday Morning. Flood stage is 9 feet. At 10 feet there is extensive lowland flooding.
Mississippi River at McGregor. Moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday evening and continue to rise to near 19 feet by Friday, October 1. Flood stage is 16 feet. At 19 feet some residential areas begin to flood.
Mississippi River at Guttenberg Dam 10. Moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednensday morning and continue to rise to near 18 feet by Friday, October 1. Flood stage is 15 feet. At 18 feet sewer and street flooding begins to occur in Glen Haven, WI.
Other Flood Information
This flood is making the national news headlines. Here is the latest CNN story.
The National Weather Service is indicating river flooding will be a concern for area streams and rivers throughout the next week. Between two and five inches of rain fell over the Kickapoo and Wisconsin River basin’s Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night causing the rise in river levels in the Kickapoo and Wisconsin rivers. Record rains along the Chippewa, Saint Croix, and Minnesota rivers are causing the Mississippi river to rise above flood stage at Winona, MN and La Crosse, WI and will cause the rise above flood tsage at McGregor and Guttenberg Iowa.
National Weather Service precautionary and preparedness actions:
IF YOU LIVE IN A THREATENED AREA…BE ALERT FOR HIGH OR RISING
WATER…AND BE READY TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF NECESSARY.
DO NOT DRIVE CARS INTO FLOODED AREAS. REMEMBER…IT TAKES ONLY TWO
FEET OF WATER TO FLOAT MOST AUTOMOBILES…INCLUDING SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES. TURN AROUND…DON/T DROWN.
