RIVER GAUGE · UPPER IOWA RIVER
Upper Iowa River at Bluffton
Winneshiek County, Iowa
Water level3.31 ft
Flow179 cfs
Last readingSep 16, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC (last recorded)
Action10 ft
Minor flood12 ft
Moderate flood13 ft
Major flood15 ft
The past week
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What floods at each level
- 16 ft
Water is higher than the flood of record in 2008. Nearly the entire valley in the Bluffton Area is under water.
- 14 ft
Severe property damage is occurring in Bluffton at this level. Water goes over 244th Avenue near Bluffton's Lower Access Canoe Landing.
- 12 ft
River is significantly outside of its banks impacting both Bluffton Canoe Landings. Campgrounds along the river in Bluffton are underwater.
- 10 ft
Low-lying areas near the river in Bluffton begin to inundate as water leaves the riverbanks.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 9, 2008 | 15.49 ft | 16,600 cfs |
| Aug 24, 2016 | 14.41 ft | 13,800 cfs |
| Jun 9, 2018 | 14.11 ft | 13,200 cfs |
More on Upper Iowa River
DownstreamUpper Iowa River near Decorah
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