PAGE: LOCAL NEWS
Chance of flooding, but low
By (February 25, 2010)
The chance of the Des Moines River reaching historic high-water levels in Jackson this spring is slight, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But, there’s a chance nonetheless.

Based on heavy snow conditions as of Feb. 16, flood forecasters with the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service this week estimated a 90 percent chance of minor flooding (12 to 14 feet) in Jackson this spring, a 50 percent chance of moderate flooding (14 to 16 feet) and a 10 percent chance of major flooding (in excess of 16 feet).

The service pegged the chance of exceeding the 16.67-foot flood level of July 1993 at 8 percent at present time. The forecasts were relayed to the city of Jackson Monday by the Rock Island, Ill., District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Chances of flood waters reaching historic flood levels of 18.62 feed in April 1965 and the all-time high of 19.45 feet in April 1969 are very low, the service predicted.

But, there’s a chance nonetheless.