Wildfire Smoke and Severe Thunderstorms in the East; Monsoon Thunderstorms in the Southwest

Wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality from the Great Lakes region into New England and the Mid-Atlantic today with widespread Air Quality Alerts in effect. Severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of the Ohio Valley and Lower Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, this afternoon into the evening. Monsoonal thunderstorms may bring areas of flooding to the Southwest. Read More >

What's Happening Now

A near normal flood risk can be expected through the rest of the Spring. However, future precipitation could impact this risk so continue to monitor the latest information.

Click on a link below for more information:

What Can We Expect This Spring and Why

The overall risk for flooding is near normal this Spring for the mainstem of the Mississippi River and Tributaries.

Factors for a near-normal flooding risk this spring:

Overall drier conditions during the late Summer and Autumn of 2020 continued into this winter.
Limited snowpack this winter and most of this snowpack has now melted across the local area.
Lower soil moisture, not saturated like we saw last year.
Some pockets of frost remain in the ground but much of the ground frost has thawed and will continue to do so over the next few weeks.

Preparedness Information

A near-normal flood risk means the chances for spring snowmelt flooding are near normal based on historical data and current conditions. Future precipitation trends may increase or decrease the flooding threat, monitor information from the National Weather Service.
Live in a flood prone area? Consider flood insurance (may require 30 day notice).
Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump is working and consider a backup.

Please see our video briefing from March 12th

Latest Snow Depth Information

Click Here For An In-Depth Snow Analysis

Latest River Level Information

Mississippi River Basin

Lake City	Wabasha	Alma	Minnesota City Dam 5

Lake City	Wabasha	Alma	Minnesota City
Winona Dam 5A	Winona	Trempealeau Dam 6	La Crescent Dam 7

La Crosse	Genoa Dam 8	Lansing	Lynxville Dam 9

McGregor	Guttenberg Dam 10	Dubuque Dam 11	Dubuque