Floodwaters in the Portage area are continuing to drop and are expected to decline further in the coming days, according to an April 19 announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The department said it will keep monitoring water levels while the Columbia County Emergency Operation Center returns to normal and damage assessments proceed.
The ongoing response has involved several agencies working together during what was called the Caledonia-Lewiston Levee Incident. Columbia County Emergency Management Director Marie Ellis said, “This was truly a team effort, and it took a lot of boots on the ground to make sure the Portage community stayed safe and was kept aware of what was happening with the flooding event.”
Multiple organizations contributed to managing the incident, including local police, fire, public works departments, state agencies such as various divisions within Wisconsin DNR, federal resources like US Army Corps of Engineers and Wisconsin National Guard, as well as volunteer groups including American Red Cross and Salvation Army. Community members also assisted by providing food and volunteering at emergency centers or in affected neighborhoods.
As roads begin reopening with river levels returning closer to normal, Columbia County Highway Commissioner Donald Nichols advised caution for drivers. Nichols said residents should “stay aware of crews working to repair and clear driving surfaces. Damages will not be able to be completely inventoried until the water is entirely off the road,” noting that shoulders may remain soft for several days. Road closure updates can be found on Columbia County’s Emergency Management webpage under Road Closures.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages state parks, trails, forests, wildlife areas and enforces environmental laws across Wisconsin according to its official website. The agency focuses on conserving natural resources for present and future generations according to its official website, facilitates public input through advisory councils according to its official website, offers services such as hunting licenses and environmental permits according to its official website, and extends management efforts statewide according to its official website.
Looking ahead, authorities say they will continue assessing damages once all floodwaters have receded fully.
