Tracking a Couple of Storm Systems Across the Country

Showers, along with a few strong to severe thunderstorms, are expected from the Great Lakes, New England and southward into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. In the wake of this system, a stronger storm is expected to track from the Pacific Northwest, Plains and through the Eastern U.S. this weekend. Strong winds, showers and a larger drop in temperatures are expected this weekend into Monday. Read More >

Overview

Record-setting rainfall of 6-12 inches (and more in a few areas) along the headwaters of the Kickapoo River near and north of Ontario, Wisconsin produced a major flood down the entire span of the river between August 28th and 30th, 2018. In most areas, this flood exceeded the previous record flood of June 9-10th, 2008, with new flood crest records being established in many areas. Please note that as of September 7th, 2018, we are still awaiting final flood crests from the United States Geological Survey for Ontario and La Farge, Wisconsin as those river gauges failed during the flood. Also, this information should be considered preliminary and could change if new data are received regarding the highest river levels.

Record River Crest Information
Ontario, WI
La Farge, WI
Viola, WI
Readstown, WI
Soldiers Grove, WI
Gays Mills, WI
Steuben, WI

Record River Crest Information

Record crests have been established at Viola, Readstown, Gays Mills, and Steuben. Soldiers Grove fell short of the 1951 crest, but that record flood occurred before the current levee system was put into place.

Graphical look at the record crests established
along the Kickapoo River from the August 29-30, 2018 flood

Kickapoo River at Ontario, WI

Ontario established a new record crest from this flood event

Preliminary 2018 Crest: 28.5' on 8/28/2018 (via USGS)

Previous Record Crest: 21.96 feet from 6/8/2008

Trace of water levels before the river gauge failed.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.

Kickapoo River at La Farge, WI

La Farge established a new record crest from this flood event

2018 Crest: 19.42' on 8/28/2018 (via USGS)

Previous Record Crest: 15.78 feet from 6/8/2008

Trace of water levels before the river gauge failed.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.

Kickapoo River at Viola, WI

Viola established a new record crest from this flood event

2018 Crest: 23.72 feet

Old Record Crest: 21.25 feet from 6/8/2008

Trace of water levels at Viola, Wisconsin.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.


Flooding in Viola on September 6, 2018.	RV in flood water near Viola on September 6, 2018.	Looking upstream at Viola on September 6, 2018.	Flooding in Viola on September 6, 2018.

Kickapoo River at Readstown, WI

Readstown established a new record crest from this flood event

2018 Crest: 23.17 feet

Old Record Crest: 19.65 feet from 6/8/2008

Trace of water levels at Readstown, Wisconsin.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.


Looking upstream on September 6, 2018.	Looking downstream on September 6, 2018.	Note round hay bale in water. Taken September 6, 2018.	Flood waters were over the hood of this truck. Note debris on truck. Taken September 6, 2018.

Kickapoo River at Soldiers Grove, WI

Soldiers Grove DID NOT establish a new record crest from this flood event. The previous record from 1951 (well before the current levee system around town was built) still stands.

2018 Crest: 21.06 feet

Old Record Crest: 21.63 feet from 7/22/1951

Trace of water levels at Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.


Landslide along bank just upstream of bridge. Taken September 6, 2018.	High water mark on Veterans Memorial. Note mud line below roof. Taken September 6, 2018.	Damage in park. Note debris in the fence. Taken September 6, 2018.	Looking upstream on September 6, 2018.

Kickapoo River at Gays Mills, WI

Gays Mills established a new record crest from this flood event

2018 Crest: 22.31 feet

Old Record Crest: 20.44 feet from 6/9/2008

Trace of water levels at Gays Mills, Wisconsin.
Note the magenta color depicts "Major Flood" stage.


Flood waters over County Highway S, south of Gays Mills on September 6, 2018.	Flooding in Gays Mills on September 6, 2018.	Flood waters surround the Museum on September 6, 2018.	High water mark in downtown area. Note mud line nearly half way up the door. Taken on September 6, 2018.