DNR Monitoring Portage-Area Levees Due to Rising Flood Levels
PORTAGE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Wisconsin River is expected to rise to major flood levels in the Portage area on Wednesday, April. 15, 2026.
As a precaution, DNR staff members are monitoring the Caledonia and Lewiston levees twice daily. If river levels reach 19.4 feet, monitoring will expand to a round-the-clock surveillance schedule. Currently, river levels are projected to rise to 20.3 feet; flood stage is 17 feet and the river is now at 18.90 feet.
“As part of our preparedness efforts, the DNR will monitor and evaluate the integrity of the levees and keep other government agencies informed on the status,” said Brian Hefty, DNR Bureau of Parks & Recreation Management Deputy Director. “The safety of the public and responders is the priority for us.”
Find flood-related health and safety advice on the DNR’s Flooding Emergency webpage. Emergency management officials also are monitoring statewide flooding conditions and posting situation reports on Wisconsin Emergency Management’s website. Information from Columbia County is available on the county’s emergency management webpage.
To monitor Wisconsin River levels, visit the NOAA’s National Weather Prediction Service map and search for “Wisconsin River at Portage, WI.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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