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This probabilistic forecast is issued by the North Central River Forecast Center.

	Hydrograph			River at a Glance			Download			Probability Information Weekly Chance of Exceeding Levels Chance of Exceeding Levels During Entire Period Short-term Probabilistic Guidance (Experimental)

About this graph

Forecasts for the Raccoon River (Central IA) at Des Moines IA 28 are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

More information on datums is available at www.ngs.noaa.gov/faq.shtml

Return to Area Map

Downstream Gauge

Zoom Level:14

Flood Categories (in feet)

Major Flood Stage:	40
Moderate Flood Stage:	38
Flood Stage:	36
Action Stage:	34
Low Stage (in feet):	-9999

Historic Crests
(1) 41.31 ft on 06/13/2008
(2) 40.77 ft on 07/11/1993
(3) 40.37 ft on 06/26/2015
(4) 39.46 ft on 06/16/1998
(5) 38.22 ft on 05/24/2004
(6) 37.94 ft on 04/26/2007
(7) 37.52 ft on 02/19/1997
(8) 37.43 ft on 03/15/2019
(9) 37.43 ft on 12/15/2015
(10) 36.97 ft on 06/28/2010
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 22.44 ft on 03/26/2021
(2) 29.95 ft on 10/12/2019
(3) 37.43 ft on 03/15/2019
(4) 34.04 ft on 06/25/2018
(5) 32.09 ft on 05/21/2017
(6) 37.43 ft on 12/15/2015
(7) 40.37 ft on 06/26/2015
(8) 34.51 ft on 09/01/2014
(9) 36.25 ft on 06/01/2013
(10) 27.85 ft on 05/07/2012
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
Currently none available.

	Gauge Location	Disclaimer
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.

Flood Impacts & Photos

If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
46.2	This is the top of the West Des Moines levee.
43	This is the top of the Des Moines levee at Iowa 28 and 63rd Street.
42	Water is over I-35.
41.3	Water is at the shoulder of the southbound I-35 exit to Iowa 5.
41	The levee is closed at Jordan Creek and Iowa 28.
40.5	Water affects Grand Avenue near Raccoon River Regional Park.
40	Iowa 28 is closed north of the river. Water overtops the berm on the west side of Raccoon River Park...affecting the park and surrounding area.
39	Water affects businesses...Commerce Drive and Raccoon River Drive from South 88th Street to Grand Avenue.
38	Water affects primary roads in several locations.
36	Water affects Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park.
35.5	Water covers Walnut Woods Drive and affects Walnut Woods State Park.
30	The City of West Des Moines operates the levee system including pumps.

Other Real-time and/or Archive Data Sources:

Additional Information

How low could the river get?

USGS 7-Day Streamflow Duration Hydrograph for this location:

USGS Cumulative Streamflow Hydrograph for this location:

Collaborative Agencies

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.

NWS Information

National Weather Service
Des Moines Weather Forecast Office
9607 NW Beaver Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50131
(515) 270-2614
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:29 PM

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