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March 17, 2008 Spring Flood Outlook for 2008

For Immediate Release – Monday, March 17, 2008
Contact: Donna Haugom, Director
Jefferson County Emergency Management 
920-674-7450


DATE:	March 17, 2008

TO:	Jefferson County News Media

FROM:	Donna Haugom

SUBJECT:		
Moderate/Major River Flooding


The latest Spring Flood Outlook for 2008 indicates moderate to major
flooding for the Rock River Basin in Jefferson County.  Donna Haugom,
Director of the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management
indicted the end of this week and the week of the 23rd will be the
time period where the water levels will increase.  There is
precipitation identified in the weather forecast for this week which
will aggravate the flooding situation.

Haugom indicated that projection information received from the
National Weather Service indicates the Crawfish River at Milford and
the Rock River at Fort Atkinson has a greater than 50% chance of
record flooding.  The record level for the Crawfish River was set in
1959 at 11.15 feet, in comparison; the level reached in 2004 was 8.57
feet.  The gage at the Rock River in Fort Atkinson is fairly new,
having been installed in 1998, so the record level of 7.29 feet
reached in 2004 is identified as the level of record.
 
The projected crest date of the Crawfish River is Late March.

The Rock River at Watertown and Jefferson shows a greater than 50%
chance of major flooding.  This historical level of record for the
Rock River at Watertown was set in 1997 at 6.96 feet, the level in
2004 was 5.89 feet.  For the Rock River in Jefferson, the level of
record was set in 1979 at 12.84 feet, in 2004 the level was 11.51
feet.   Lake Koshkonong also shows a greater than 50% chance of major
flooding.  The level of record was identified in 1993 at 12.23 feet,
compared to the water levels in 2004 at 11.49 feet.

The projected crest date of the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong is
early April.

Haugom stressed it is very important for individuals to be prepared
by keeping materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting,
lumber, and appropriate tools to use for emergency measures.  Install
check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from
backing up in sewer drains.  Have a first aid kit and portable radio
available.  

March 17, 2008
Page 2


Secure any outdoor items and have a plan on moving or elevating
household belongings out of the way of flood waters.

Haugom also stated that for some individuals, you may need to
consider that evacuation is a possibility.  Have a plan ahead of time
on where you would go, when you should leave, and what to take along. 
Family plans should be discussed with each member to insure that
everyone knows what to do.

Sandbags can be purchased through the Jefferson County Office of
Emergency Management at a cost of $0.25 cents per bag plus tax.  Many
municipalities may offer sand, but because of the amount of
precipitation we have received this winter, municipalities may be low
on their sand stockpiles.  Make sure you have a source for getting
sand.

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management and first
responders urge all residents to plan ahead for their safety and well
being.

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