Wednesday Flooding Update: News Remains Positive, Although Officials 'Still Watching the Skies'

From Johnson County

Although the Iowa River basin saw some precipitation in the last 24 hours—2/10 to 3/4 of an inch, according to the National Weather Service (NWS)—there was minimal impact to the river levels. 

At today’s daily briefing, the NWS also reported a potential rainfall event of up to one inch on Saturday night into Sunday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a slight rise upstream at Marengo, but not enough to cause concerns. USGS crews performed verification of its water level gauges on the Iowa River and area tributaries yesterday and said no adjustments were necessary.

Dee Goldman, operations manager at the Coralville Reservoir with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reported continuing good news from the Coralville Reservoir:
“We’re moving in the right direction,” Goldman said this morning. According to Goldman, the current water level at the Reservoir is 708.44 feet and holding steady. He reported a minimal increase in the last 24 hours of .11 inches. Goldman said he expects the level to start falling on Friday, assuming no rainfall above what the NWS has already predicted. Water outflows are similar to yesterday, at 18,300-18,400 cubic feet per second (cfs). Water inflows are also similar, at 20,000 cfs.

Goldman reported that the Reservoir is currently at only 73% of its capacity.

“It’s functioning as designed,” he said. Goldman also stressed that caution is still warranted. “Although it’s lots of positive news, we still have to be cautious. We’re still watching the skies.”

He emphasized that although the Reservoir continues to be open to recreational activities, “It’s still dangerous out there. Try to avoid tubing and water skiing because of all the hidden dangers,” he said. 

Christine Scheetz, president and CEO of United Way of Johnson County, confirmed that the Emergency Volunteer Center was deactivated yesterday.

Iowa City reported that it is monitoring Rocky Shore Drive, which is currently “within one inch of taking on water,” said Shannon McMahon, public information officer for the City of Iowa City. 

McMahon also said that a public forum, “Living with Floods,” is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 6:30-8 pm, at the Iowa City Public Library. The Living with Floods forum, hosted as part of a statewide project (www.iihr.uiowa.edu/livingwithfloods/), will provide an opportunity to share the progress and community accomplishments that have been made since past flood events and to look ahead to work that still needs to be accomplished. Community members can also watch the forum live on Iowa City’s public access television channel.

The University of Iowa, Coralville and Hills continued to report confidence in current levels of preparation. Johnson County has lifted one of its four mandatory evacuation orders, for Sand Road SE between 560th Street and Highway 22. Sand Road SE from 560th Street to Highway 22, however, continues to be closed. Updated road closures are posted on the County website at www.johnson-county.com.  

Johnson County residents who have experienced property damage to homes or businesses are encouraged to submit their damage reports to Johnson County at www.johnson-county.com. 

From the home page, click on “2013 Flood Information.” Under the “Useful Information” section, click “Damage Assessment Reporting.” State and federal authorities use data regarding damage to public and private property to determine whether an area qualifies for certain forms of assistance.

The Emergency Operations Center updates will continue through this Friday, June 7, with press conferences following at approximately 9 am.