NOAA changes flood stages for Oskaloosa
Water nears Oskaloosa Water Plant
NOAA or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that controls and runs the National Weather Service has changed the flood stage for Oskaloosa.
The flood stage earlier this year was 20 feet and now moves to 24.5 feet effective on October 25, 2010. The record flooding of 2010 set an all time level of 26.40 feet. The previous high level mark was set clear back in 1944 at 25.80 feet, barely 1 foot over the new flood stage mark. Of the 10 highest record crest levels, 6 have been set since 1993.
Jeffrey Zogg of the Senior Hydrologist at the Des Moines National Weather Service sent out a statement saying the following.
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa Ia
Per coordination with local officials, the NWS in Des Moines will raise the flood stage from the present level of 20 feet to the new level of 24.5 feet, effective at the date and time mentioned above.
We will provide river flood warnings when the river is expected to reach or exceed the new flood stage of 24.5 feet. In addition, we will provide river forecasts when the river is expected to reach or exceed the forecast issuance stage of 18 feet.
The river stages which correspond to moderate and major flooding will be 26 feet and 30 feet respectively.
We provide river flood warning and forecasts for the South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, for the stretch of the South Skunk River extending from the Marion-Mahaska county line, to the Mahaska-Keokuk county line.
More information is available on our website, http://www.weather.gov/desmoines
The National Weather Service welcomes public feedback. If you have any questions or comments on this change, please contact:
JEFFREY ZOGG
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE
9607 NW BEAVER DRIVE
JOHNSTON IOWA 50131-1908
PHONE 515-270-4501 X493
