Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.
Gauge Information
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage:
25
Moderate Flood Stage:
23
Flood Stage:
22
Action Stage:
21
Historical Crests (1) 31.53 ft on 06/15/2008 (2) 28.52 ft on 08/10/1993 (3) 24.10 ft on 06/01/1851 (4) 23.35 ft on 06/13/1991 (5) 22.44 ft on 06/09/1974 (6) 22.04 ft on 05/01/1973 (7) 21.64 ft on 03/29/1979 (8) 21.50 ft on 03/04/1985 (9) 21.50 ft on 04/09/1975 (10) 21.44 ft on 06/15/1982 Show More Historical Crests
Low Water Records Currently none available.
Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.
Site-specific information:
These inundation maps for the Iowa River at Iowa City were developed by the Iowa Flood Center, and made available on this site through funding by the City of Iowa City.
Extended rating:
Rating Curve Extension - The Rating Curve Extension is calculated by using either a linear, logarithmic, or hydraulic technique to extend the rating curve above the currently established relationship between stage and flow.
Flood Impacts
29
Serious flood damage occurs at the University of Iowa campus.
27
Flood protection becomes necessary at the University of Iowa. Water affects several industrial businesses and warehouses along Commercial Drive.
26
Water floods county road bridge approaches along the river and affects streets and parking lots along Commercial Drive.
25
Flooding occurs in Coralville. Water inundates the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Rail line near Coralville.
23.5
Water affects the north Wastewater Treatment Plant. Considerable flooding occurs at the University of Iowa.
23
Water floods Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa. Flooding problems occur elsewhere on the University of Iowa campus.
22
Urban flood damage occurs in Iowa City. Water enters homes along Edgewater Drive.
21
Flooding occurs in homes near Taft Speedway in Iowa City. Homes on east side of Quarry Road in Coralville require protection. Edgewater Drive becomes impassable.
20.5
Water affects the north Wastewater Treatment Plant.
19
Lowland flooding occurs in the Iowa City Park area.
The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.
Graphical representation of flood inundation for NWS flood categories are based on steady state hydraulic modeling of water surface elevations for incremented discharges. Map shows approximate inundation areas for given water surface elevations and should not be used for navigation or permitting or other legal purposes, but strictly as a planning reference tool.
