Major Flood
15 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
13 ft
Minor Flood
12 ft
Action Stage
10 ft
What Floods at Each Level
22 ft
Water affects Iowa Highway 150 from the cemetery to Three Elms Park Road in Independence. Water also floods most residences and businesses from the river to 2nd Avenue NE.
21.8 ft
Water affects 1st Street from 2nd Avenue E to 3rd Avenue W including the river bridge surface.
21.5 ft
Water reaches the bottom of the 2nd Street S bridge deck and reaches the alleyway on the east bank between 1st Street and 2nd Street S.
21.3 ft
Water reaches the bottom of the railroad bridge on the north end of Independence.
21.1 ft
Water affects the fronts of businesses on 1st Street in Independence.
21 ft
Water affects residences on the south side of 2nd Street S and also reaches the bottom 1st Street bridge deck. Water reaches the guardrails of the Iowa Highway 150 bridge and floods much of the cemetery.
20 ft
Water affects most residences, businesses, and parks in Independence. Flooding also occurs in Fairbank, Littleton, and Central City. Water also floods farmland and a few residences in Quasqueton.
19 ft
Water affects the backs of businesses on 1st Street in Independence.
18 ft
Water affects 1st Street and reaches the bottom of the Iowa Highway 150 bridge deck.
16 ft
Water affects many residences, businesses, and parks in Independence and Littleton.
15 ft
Water affects the cemetery on the south side of Independence. In Littleton, water affects residences along Water, State, and Benton Streets, and cabins west of the river.
14 ft
Water affects residences and streets in low-lying areas of Independence and Littleton.
12 ft
Water affects low-lying streets in Independence.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1999 | 22.35 ft | 31,100 cfs |
| Jul 17, 1968 | 21.11 ft | 26,800 cfs |
| Aug 25, 1990 | 20.3 ft | 24,400 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
IDPI4
River
Wapsipinicon River
County
Buchanan, IA
Coordinates
42.4636°N, 91.8950°W
Get Flood Alerts for Wapsipinicon River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Wapsipinicon River at Independence?
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05421000) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Wapsipinicon River at Independence?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Wapsipinicon River at Independence is 12 feet. Action stage begins at 10 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when Wapsipinicon River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Wapsipinicon River at Independence to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Wapsipinicon River at Independence gauge located?
The gauge is located in Buchanan County, Iowa at coordinates 42.4636°N, 91.8950°W. USGS site number: 05421000. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Wapsipinicon River
On This River
Upstream: Wapsipinicon River near Dunkerton Dunkerton Rd--IFC
Downstream: Wapsipinicon River at Anamosa Shaw Rd
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: U.S. Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- 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.