Des Moines River at Fort Dodge

1. 17.00 ftWater reaches the bottom of the railroad trestle approach. Extensive sandbagging also occurs along the river.
2. 16.00 ftWater threatens the Phinney Park riverside trail along the west bank.
3. 15.00 ftWater affects some residences in Lehigh and may affect Riverside Dr in northern Webster County.
4. 14.00 ftWater affects some access roads along the river in Fort Dodge as well as in Lehigh.
5. 13.00 ftWater affects residences along the west bank of the river in Lehigh and threatens industries near Phinney Park.
6. 12.00 ftWater affects campgrounds in the downstream parks between Fort Dodge and Lehigh.
7. 11.00 ftWater affects lowland areas near the river and threatens residences along the river in Fort Dodge.
8. 10.00 ftWater affects roads to residences in Fort Dodge along the river and limits access to some subdivisions.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 25, 2026.

Most recent crests

• August 1, 2025: 9.88 ft
• June 27, 2024: 17.12 ft
• May 15, 2023: 8.73 ft
• June 16, 2022: 8.58 ft
• March 29, 2021: 5.06 ft
• March 21, 2020: 9.30 ft
• March 20, 2019: 15.04 ft
• March 14, 2019: 15.27 ft
• September 23, 2018: 14.14 ft
• March 5, 2018: 14.61 ft

• UpstreamDes Moines River
• DownstreamDes Moines River at Stratford
• Lizard Creek at Fort Dodge
• West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt
• East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City
• Boone River
• Boone River at Goldfield
• Boone River at Webster City

Forecasts by the North Central River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.

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.