Upper Iowa River at Bluffton
Observed Mon, Sep 21, 11:30 PM CDT
- Flood stage
- 12.00 ft
- Record crest
- 15.49 ft2008
Flood stages and impacts
| Category | Stage |
|---|---|
| Major flood | 15.00 ft |
| Moderate flood | 13.00 ft |
| Minor flood | 12.00 ft |
| Action | 10.00 ft |
- 16.00 ftWater is higher than the flood of record in 2008. Nearly the entire valley in the Bluffton Area is under water.
- 14.00 ftSevere property damage is occurring in Bluffton at this level. Water goes over 244th Avenue near Bluffton's Lower Access Canoe Landing.
- 12.00 ftRiver is significantly outside of its banks impacting both Bluffton Canoe Landings. Campgrounds along the river in Bluffton are underwater.
- 10.00 ftLow-lying areas near the river in Bluffton begin to inundate as water leaves the riverbanks.
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
25 crests on NOAA’s list since 2003.
| # | Date | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 9, 2008 | 15.49 ft |
| 2 | August 24, 2016 | 14.41 ft |
| 3 | June 10, 2018 | 14.11 ft |
| 4 | June 23, 2013 | 13.56 ft |
| 5 | June 24, 2024 | 13.14 ft |
| 6 | August 22, 2007 | 12.66 ft |
| 7 | July 10, 2026 | 12.56 ft |
| 8 | August 29, 2021 | 12.55 ft |
| 9 | July 25, 2005 | 12.24 ft |
| 10 | March 14, 2019 | 11.04 ft |
| 11 | September 25, 2010 | 10.54 ft |
| 12 | February 22, 2017 | 10.54 ft |
| 13 | August 19, 2025 | 10.50 ft |
| 14 | March 24, 2011 | 10.48 ft |
| 15 | May 23, 2004 | 10.26 ft |
| 16 | June 23, 2015 | 9.86 ft |
| 17 | June 10, 2020 | 9.13 ft |
| 18 | February 10, 2009 | 8.64 ft |
| 19 | July 24, 2022 | 8.23 ft |
| 20 | June 27, 2014 | 8.16 ft |
| 21 | February 28, 2023 | 8.09 ft |
| 22 | April 9, 2006 | 7.81 ft |
| 23 | October 31, 2009 | 7.18 ft |
| 24 | May 12, 2003 | 6.24 ft |
| 25 | February 29, 2012 | 5.89 ft |
Most recent crests
- July 10, 2026: 12.56 ft
- August 19, 2025: 10.50 ft
- June 24, 2024: 13.14 ft
- February 28, 2023: 8.09 ft
- July 24, 2022: 8.23 ft
- August 29, 2021: 12.55 ft
- June 10, 2020: 9.13 ft
- March 14, 2019: 11.04 ft
- June 10, 2018: 14.11 ft
- February 22, 2017: 10.54 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. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time. River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
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.