2026 Spring Flood Outlook

Flood Outlook - updated Feb 12, 2026.

Key Points

The risk of spring flooding is below average.
The spring flood risk is based on the following factors: below average snowpack, near to below average soil moisture, and near average streamflow. Frost depth is near to above average and there is extensive river ice, which elevates the flood risk somewhat. These conditions can and often change. A deeper snow pack could increase this risk.
This flood risk pertains to the underlying risk for the mid February to the mid May time period as a whole. The risk may be higher with individual weather events. The greatest risk of flooding occurs with a rapid snowmelt or rain, especially on a frozen ground.

Next Update: Feb 26, 2026 and March 12, 2026

Briefing Slides will be available March 12, 2026

Spring Flood Outlook Story Map for the entire Upper Midwest River Basin.

Seasonal Flood Outlook Graphics (select site on map, select 'Full Gauge Page' on top of hydrograph, then scroll down)

Flood Risk Factors

Current Conditions (some images auto update and conditions may differ from when the spring flood outlook was issued)

Snow Water Equivalent (inches) Average is roughly 1 inch in southern WI	Ranked Snow Water Equivalent	Frost Depth (inches) 2/12/26 Average is about 1 foot in southern WI

Soil Temperature 2/12/26	14 Day Streamflow Percentile	Soil Moisture Percentile - Climate Prediction Center

30 Day Precipitation Departure From Normal	4 Month Precipitation Departure from Normal	U.S. Drought Monitor

Looking Ahead (images auto update and may differ from when the outlook was issued)

7 Day Precipitation Forecast

Extended outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center:

How To Prepare & Safety

Preparedness/Early Actions:

Get a NOAA Weather Radio to be alerted to flash flood warnings and river flood warnings
Monitor weather forecasts for heavy rain potential
Have a communications plan for your family and a place to meet in higher ground.
Monitor river levels and forecasted river levels online: (National Site, USGS, MKX)
Know a safe way to exit your home and neighborhood and avoid any roads susceptible to flooding
Prepare your home:
- Consider flood insurance, especially if you are in a flood prone area - (may require 30 day notice)
- Make sure your sump pump is working and consider a backup.
- Have a professional install check-values to prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home
- Keep important documents in a waterproof, elevated container, not in the basement.
- Remove snow from roof, downspout area, and away from base of home
- Finish any outdoor projects that may be affected by heavy rain or flood waters
Prepare (Flood Ready, Flood Safety)

How To Stay Safe During a Flood:

Heed evacuation orders and evacuate your home if it is at risk
Turn Around, Don't Drown - never drive through flooded roads
- You do not know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed out
- You may damage your vehicle
- You put yourself and first responders at risk

Flood Outlooks

Long Range Outlooks

Weekly Probability of Exceeding Flood Stage by Location. More information is here.


Fox River at Princeton	Fox River at Princeton	Fox River at Berlin	Fox River at Berlin

WI River at WI Dells	WI River at WI Dells	WI River at Portage	WI River at Portage

Baraboo R at Reedsburg	Baraboo R at Reedsburg	Baraboo R at Rock Springs	Baraboo R at Rock Springs

Baraboo R at West Baraboo	Baraboo R at West Baraboo	Baraboo R at Baraboo	Baraboo R at Baraboo

Black Earth Creek at Black Earth	Black Earth Creek at Black Earth	Pecatonica R at Blanchardville	Pecatonica R at Blanchardville

Pecatonica R at Darlington	Pecatonica R at Darlington	Pecatonica R at Martintown	Pecatonica R at Martintown

Sugar River at Albany	Sugar River at Albany	Sugar River at Brodhead	Sugar River at Brodhead

Crawfish River at Milford	Crawfish River at Milford	Rock River at Watertown	Rock River at Watertown

Rock River at Jefferson	Rock River at Jefferson	Rock River at Fort Atkinson	Rock River at Fort Atkinson

Rock R at Lake Koshkonong	Rock R at Lake Koshkonong	Rock River at Afton	Rock River at Afton

Turtle Creek at Clinton	Turtle Creek at Clinton	Sheboygan R at Sheboygan	Sheboygan R at Sheboygan

Cedar Creek at Cedarburg	Cedar Creek at Cedarburg	Milwaukee R at Cedarburg	Milwaukee R at Cedarburg

Fox River at Waukesha	Fox River at Waukesha	Fox River at New Munster	Fox River at New Munster

Root River at Franklin	Root River at Franklin	Root River Canal near Raymond	Root River Canal near Raymond

Root River at Racine	Root River at Racine