Wisconsin River at Major Flood Stage, Crest at 21 Feet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2026-04-16 Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin River Rising In Columbia County; DNR Continues To Monitor

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that as of 12:45 p.m. today, April 16, the Wisconsin River is at 19.85 feet, major flood stage and is continuing to rise. The National Weather Service predicts the river to crest at 21.0 feet tomorrow, April 17, at 7 a.m.

The DNR is continuously monitoring the levee for areas of concern and failure.

"This is a very serious situation. In its present condition and with the predicted crest, the Caledonia-Lewiston Levee should not be expected to provide protection from Wisconsin River flooding with or without human intervention during this flood event," said Chris Bender, DNR recreation operations supervisor. "We hope the public takes this situation very seriously."

As the river rises, the DNR, city of Portage and Columbia County officials will limit access to affected areas until the Wisconsin River recedes to safe levels. Pine Island State Wildlife Area is currently closed. The DNR urges the public to avoid the levee and adjacent areas as crews work to continue monitoring.

Conditions can change quickly. People who live in low lying areas or along the river are asked to pay attention to flooding updates and are encouraged to take action if evacuation is necessary. In the event of a levee failure, those inside the impacted area would be alerted via wireless emergency alert.

To monitor Wisconsin River levels, visit NOAA's National Weather Prediction Service map and search for "Wisconsin River at Portage, WI."

Turn around don't drown. Do not attempt to drive through standing water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can sweep a car off the road.

Sandbags

• Columbia County: Sandbags and sand are available to the public to fill at the Columbia County Highway Shop located at 338 West Old Highway 16, Wyocena - southeast side of highway shop building in the parking lot. You will need to bring your own shovel to fill bags and a truck or trailer to haul them.
• City of Portage: Sandbags and sand are available in the city. Residents are asked to bring a shovel and an appropriate vehicle or trailer for transport. Sand is at the former Public Works Garage (616 Washington Street, Portage). The shed can be accessed from both Morgan Street and the former Garage.

Road Closures

Flooded roads or roads with compromised culverts are signed and barricaded, so please follow the warning and do not drive around barricades. A listing of Columbia County road closures is located on the county's website. This will be updated as impacted roads are closed and reopened. If you come across a roadway that is covered with water that has not been closed/barricaded, please contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 608-742-4166; Extension 1.

In case of an emergency, call 911.

Questions can be directed to the Columbia County Emergency Management Office at 608-742-9890 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., please call the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 608-742-4166; Extension 1.

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