Spring River Flooding March 2019

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Mild temperatures and light of rain caused the snowpack across southern Wisconsin to melt rapidly in mid March. Rivers were below their banks to start the month but were in the 25-75th percentile (according to the USGS). There was 2 to 8 inches of snow (up to 2 inches water equivalent), highest in the northwest before temperatures warmed. Highs reached the 50s and lower 60s March 15 and all the snow melted. The ground will still frozen with frost depths of 12-18 inches causing the rain and snowmelt to run off into ditches, streams, and rivers.

Many rivers reached moderate and a few reach major flood stage. There were 7 new record high river levels set: Spring Creek at Lodi, Milwaukee river near Cedarbug, Sheboygan River at Sheboygan, Pecatonica River at Martintown, Sugar River at Albany, Fox river in Pardeeville, Milwaukee river in Waubeka. Ice jams occurred on the Milwaukee River near Saukville and Waubeka.

Numerous roads were closed across southern Wisconsin due to ice jams, river flooding, and low lying areas with flooding.

Snow Water Equivalent March 7, 2019:


Source: National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC)

The liquid water equivalent of the snow pack across southern Wisconsin is generally in the 1 to 3 inch range, with higher amounts toward central Wisconsin. This value identifies the amount of liquid in melted snow.

Frost Depth ~March 6, 2019:


Source: North Central River Forecast Center (NCRFC)

The frost depth across southern Wisconsin is generally in the 10 to 16 inch range. This means that snow melt and rain will become "trapped" above the frost layer and run off into ditches, streams, and rivers rather than soaking into the ground.

Additional Information:

NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan

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