Rivers in Iowa
East Fork Des Moines River near Algona
Below flood stage
7.55ftStage
Observed Thu, Sep 24, 6:00 PM CDT
- Flood stage
- 17.00 ft
- Record crest
- 22.65 ft1993
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 22.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 18.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 17.00 ft |
| Action | 13.00 ft |
- 22.00 ftWater affects the shopping center parking lot and approaches the buildings. Water also affects US 169 near and north of Saint Joseph. Water may also threaten many bridges over the Des Moines River in the area with washouts. Many roads across Kossuth County may be closed.
- 20.50 ftWater affects US 169 near mile marker 187 in the Livermore area.
- 20.00 ftWater affects portions of US 18. Water enters the parking lot of the shopping center north of US 18 and west of the river.
- 19.00 ftWater affects US 169 south of Algona. US 169 near Saint Joseph will be cut off. Water also threatens sections of US 18 east of US 169.
- 18.00 ftWater threatens US 169 near Saint Joseph and may affect it south of Algona.
- 16.89 ftWater threatens US 169 south of Algona and affects some rural roads.
- 16.80 ftWater covers 170th St east of the Foster bridge in Humboldt County.
- 16.50 ftWater affects the lowest portions of Northpark Dr and Norwood Dr in Algona.
- 16.40 ftWater covers the entire north side of Montana Ave and nearby agricultural land east of the road in Humboldt County. Water also covers 100th St east and west of the Devine bridge.
- 16.00 ftWidespread agricultural flooding occurs.
- 15.50 ftWater affects portions of Montana Ave in Humboldt County. Water also affects portions of 110th St between Oak St and Ohio St east of the Devine bridge.
- 15.00 ftWater covers portions of Montana Ave in Humboldt County.
- 14.00 ftWater affects portions of Montana Ave between Michigan Ave and 100th St north of the bridge in Humboldt County. Water also affects low-lying agricultural land along the river.
Flood outlook
Chance of flooding, September to November
| Category | Chance |
|---|---|
| Minor flooding | Under 5% |
| Moderate flooding | Under 5% |
| Major flooding | Under 5% |
The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued August 28, 2026.
Crest history
19 crests on NOAA’s list since 1979.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 1, 1993 | 22.65 ft |
| 2 | August 23, 1979 | 22.18 ft |
| 3 | June 23, 2024 | 20.70 ft |
| 4 | June 26, 2018 | 19.31 ft |
| 5 | September 22, 2018 | 19.16 ft |
| 6 | March 17, 2019 | 18.63 ft |
| 7 | March 21, 2019 | 18.54 ft |
| 8 | June 19, 2014 | 17.58 ft |
| 9 | June 18, 2014 | 17.37 ft |
| 10 | August 1, 2025 | 16.88 ft |
| 11 | May 29, 2013 | 16.57 ft |
| 12 | September 26, 2016 | 15.68 ft |
| 13 | May 20, 2020 | 15.47 ft |
| 14 | May 22, 2017 | 14.93 ft |
| 15 | May 17, 2023 | 14.71 ft |
| 16 | May 20, 2015 | 14.01 ft |
| 17 | May 3, 2022 | 12.35 ft |
| 18 | May 8, 2012 | 12.27 ft |
| 19 | September 5, 2021 | 9.35 ft |
Most recent crests
- August 1, 2025: 16.88 ft
- June 23, 2024: 20.70 ft
- May 17, 2023: 14.71 ft
- May 3, 2022: 12.35 ft
- September 5, 2021: 9.35 ft
- May 20, 2020: 15.47 ft
- March 21, 2019: 18.54 ft
- March 17, 2019: 18.63 ft
- September 22, 2018: 19.16 ft
- June 26, 2018: 19.31 ft
Nearby
Upstream, downstream and the gauges around this one.
What this means
Forecasts by the North Central River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Sources
Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.