River predicted to crest at 19.3 feet at McGregor
Aiden Martin (white shirt) and Keagan Dull enjoy wade fishing for bass Saturday afternoon in the native prairie on St. Feriole Island. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)
One of several kayakers and canoeists has a laid back afternoon on the flood waters of St. Feriole Island Saturday in Prairie du Chien.
A group of kayakers and canoeists enjoy a relaxing Saturday near the St. Feriole Slough Boat Landing.
One of the water-covered areas on St. Feriole Island is behind the Dousman House.
By Ted Pennekamp
According to the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River was at 18.34 feet at McGregor at 6:45 a.m., Monday, May 7. It is predicted to crest at 19.3 feet at 7 a.m. on May 9. It is expected to begin slowly receding on May 11. Minor flood stage at McGregor is 16 feet.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, has temporarily closed its Blackhawk Park, located near De Soto, due to high river levels.
Corps staff also closed the Bad Axe and Jay’s boat landings in Wisconsin, which are located on the Mississippi River. The high river has also made it difficult to use all landings in Prairie du Chien.
If anyone has upcoming reservations at Blackhawk Park, park staff will contact them as their reservation date approaches, or they may contact park staff at (608) 648-3314.
The corps will reopen the park and landings as conditions allow.
Water is well over the Lawler Park wall and there is flooding on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien. Ambro Road north of Prairie du Chien is closed due to high water.
Also, as is standard procedure, the Prairie du Chien Street Department has put barricades up on West Washington Street because water is going over the road. Barricades were put in place on North Main Street as well, due to water on the road.
Several streets on St. Feriole Island are either closed or partially closed. There is a truck route so that trucks can get to their work site.
The Prairie du Chien Police Department has placed temporary no parking signs in front of the Villa Louis grounds and in front of Lawler Park, which a few occupants of vehicles were blissfully ignoring Saturday as they enjoyed a sunny day in the park.
Several anglers enjoyed fishing from shore or wading in areas where there is normally no water on St. Feriole Island, including in an area marked as native prairie. Numerous canoeists and kayakers also enjoyed relaxing paddles in areas that are normally dry near the St. Feriole Slough Boat Landing and the former Regal Marina.
There are several areas on St. Feriole Island that are under water, including around the sides and back of the Dousman House.
“We will follow standard protocol that has been established,” said interim Prairie du Chien City Administrator and Police Chief Chad Abram. “We will try to update future road closures if/when they occur.”
At 16 feet, the Washington Street Bridge to St. Feriole Island begins to flood and is closed. Pumping operations are underway. At 16.5, water may begin to go over the road covering part of Highway C near Highway 18. At 17, minor lowland flooding begins, and access to parks near the river in Prairie du Chien is affected. At 18, pumping operations begin at the Prairie du Chien wastewater treatment facility. At 19, flooding of some residential areas begins. At 19.6, the road to the Prairie du Chien wastewater treatment facility is flooded.
The last time the river crested at more than 19 feet was on April 18, 2011 when it crested at 21.32. A river stage of 19 to 22 feet is considered moderate flooding.
