The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on April 15 that the Wisconsin River is expected to reach major flood levels in the Portage area by Wednesday.
This development is significant for local residents and emergency responders, as rising water levels could impact safety and infrastructure. The DNR said staff are monitoring the Caledonia and Lewiston levees twice daily, with plans to switch to round-the-clock surveillance if river levels hit 19.4 feet. Current projections indicate a rise to 20.3 feet, above the official flood stage of 17 feet; at present, the river stands at 18.90 feet.
“As part of our preparedness efforts, the DNR will monitor and evaluate the integrity of the levees and keep other government agencies informed on the status,” said Brian Hefty, DNR Bureau of Parks & Recreation Management Deputy Director. “The safety of the public and responders is the priority for us.”
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages state parks, trails, forests, and wildlife areas across Wisconsin according to its official website. The agency focuses on conserving natural resources for current and future generations according to its official website. Its management covers all regions in Wisconsin according to its official website, enforces environmental laws statewide according to its official website, offers hunting and fishing licenses along with environmental permits according to its official website, and facilitates public input through advisory councils and comment periods on proposed rules according to its official website.
Residents can find health and safety advice related to flooding on the DNR’s Flooding Emergency webpage. Updates about statewide flooding conditions are available from emergency management officials via situation reports posted online by Wisconsin Emergency Management, while Columbia County information can be found through their emergency management webpage. River level data is accessible from NOAA’s National Weather Prediction Service map by searching “Wisconsin River at Portage, WI.”
