Rain and Spring Melt

March 12, 2019
J. McLellan 608 / 267-2542
Emergency Management

 

The National Weather Service is predicting up to 1 ½ inches of rain Tuesday night through Thursday night.  While this may pose urban flooding problems, Dane County lakes and rivers are well below flood stage. 

 

All of the Yahara chain of lakes are between 3 feet and 3 ½ feet below last summer’s flood levels.  Lake Mendota is still below the Wisconsin DNR’s summer minimum level.  The snow pack has an estimated 1 ½ inches liquid water equivalent.  With the predicted 1 ½ inches of rain and snow melt, the lakes are expected to crest well below flood stages. 

 

As of 3:00pm Tuesday March 12, Black Earth Creek is over 3 ½ feet below the level where persons need to take action.  The predicted rainfall and melt are not expected to cause Black Earth Creek to rise to an actionable level. 

 

Precautions to avoid urban flooding include:

  • Clearing gutters and down spouts,

  • Moving snow so water can flow away from their homes, and

  • Clearing street storm sewers so water can drain.

 

Dane County is closely monitoring conditions. 

 

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