That's according to the first Spring Flood Outlook from the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities.
Hydrologist, Matthew Wilson, says for the Mississippi, increased flood threats include:
- Normal to slightly higher than normal current river levels.
- The amount of water in the snowpack north of the Quad Cities.
- Plus slightly above normal chances for rain and snow through April.
The other factors show a neutral or decreased threat of flooding.
He says the flood threat is highest along the Mississippi for minor to moderate flooding. The ongoing flood risk will depend on the rate of snowmelt, additional snowfall this winter, and the amount and frequency of spring rains.
For example, at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities, the risk of the Mississippi River reaching flood stage (15 ft.) is 73%. The chance it'll reach moderate flood stage (16 ft.) is 59%. And the chance of major flooding (18 ft.) is 33%. All three of those projections are slightly higher than normal compared to historical averages. And Wilson says the risk of flooding on the Mississippi from Dubuque downstream to Burlington is also pretty close to historical averages.
The weather service will release the second flood outlook in two weeks.
