Changes to Flood Stage Categories for the Upper Iowa River at Bluffton (BLFI4), Effective April 1st, 2026.

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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
106 PM CST Tue Feb 24 2026

...Changes to Flood Stage Categories for the Upper Iowa River at
Bluffton (BLFI4)...

To:	Subscribers:
        -NOAA Weather Wire Service
        -Emergency Managers Weather Information Network
        -NOAAPort
        -NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Listeners
        -EAS Participants
        -Other NWS Partners, Users and Employees

From: 	Jordan Wendt, Service Hydrologist
        NWS Weather Forecast Office La Crosse WI

Subject: Changes to Flood Stage Categories for the Upper Iowa 
River at Bluffton (BLFI4).

Effective 04/01/2026, NWS flood stages at the Upper Iowa River in
Bluffton, Iowa will change. Flood surveys and coordination with 
local officials and emergency management indicate lowering flood 
stages at all categories will more accurately represent the levels
when impacts begin near Bluffton, IA. River forecasts will now be
issued when water levels are expected to reach or exceed 10.0 
feet, and Flood Warnings will be issued when water levels are 
expected to reach or exceed 12.0 feet. This change will be 
effective April 1, 2026. 

Category:     Current Stage:      New Stage:
Action        11.0 feet           10.0 feet 
Minor         14.0 feet           12.0 feet 
Moderate      16.0 feet           13.0 feet 
Major         18.0 feet           15.0 feet

Graphical depictions of river levels and forecasts are available 
on our website under the Rivers and Lakes option on the main NWS 
La Crosse web page at: https://www.weather.gov/lacrosse. If you 
have any questions or comments on this new service, please 
contact:

    Jordan Wendt, Service Hydrologist
    National Weather Service Forecast Office
    711 County Road FA La Crosse, WI 54601 
    Phone: 608-784-8275 Ext. 493 
    E-Mail: jordan.wendt@noaa.gov

$$

JAW