Winnebago River at Mason City
Iowa — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa on the Winnebago River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05459500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
Flood Stages
Major Flood
15.5 ft
Moderate Flood
14.5 ft
Minor Flood
10 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
20.5 ft
Water affects the floodwall at the water treatment plant located at 13th St NE.
17.4 ft
Water reaches bottom of railroad bridge east of Kentucky Ave bridge.
15 ft
This is the approximate top of levee protection. Levees run from the 12th St NE bridge to 9th St along the east bank and also from 8th St to 6th St and Hampshire St.
14 ft
Water may flow over the city dikes.
12 ft
Widespread flooding occurs along the river. Some backwater effects are possible along Willow Creek between downtown Mason City and the confluence with the Winnebago river.
11 ft
Sandbagging occurs on the dike from 12th St NE to Carolina St.
10 ft
Widespread flooding occurs at city parks. Water reaches the underside of the 12th St NE bridge at the piers.
8 ft
Water affects east and west city parks in the 12th St NE area.
7 ft
Water affects low-lying areas along the river.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 7, 2008 | 18.74 ft | 13,100 cfs |
| Jun 7, 2008 | 18.74 ft | 13,100 cfs |
| Mar 29, 1933 | 15.7 ft | 10,800 cfs |
| Mar 29, 1933 | 15.7 ft | 10,800 cfs |
| Mar 26, 1961 | 14.8 ft | 10,500 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
MCWI4
River
Winnebago River
County
Cerro Gordo, IA
Coordinates
43.1650°N, 93.1925°W
Get Flood Alerts for Winnebago 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 Winnebago River at Mason City?
The Winnebago River at Mason City gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05459500) 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 Winnebago River at Mason City?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Winnebago River at Mason City is 10 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 14.5 feet, and major flooding at 15.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Winnebago River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Winnebago River at Mason City to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Winnebago River at Mason City gauge located?
The gauge is located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa at coordinates 43.1650°N, 93.1925°W. USGS site number: 05459500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey