A deeper than average snow pack from northern Minnesota into northern Wisconsin underwent a rapid melt through much of April from unseasonably warm temperatures combined with multiple rain events. This resulted in increased water levels and significant flooding for the entire length of the local Mississippi River, with most sites climbing to their third to fifth highest crests on record. A significant mid-April rain and snow event resulted in the Governor of Wisconsin issuing a State of Emergency declaration for flooding on April 16, 2023. Initial flood warnings were issued in mid April with peak stages realized in late April. The highest above flood stage was Lynxville Dam at 5.26 ft over flood stage.

Flood in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 16-APR-23 05:45:00 to 30-APR-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: TREMPEALEAU
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow pushed the Mississippi River at Trempealeau into flood stage on April 16th. The crest of 651.01 ft above sea level on April 25 was 4.01 ft over flood stage. Lake Road abutting the Mississippi River was closed due to water over the roadway.

Flood in BUFFALO, WISCONSIN
From 16-APR-23 04:00:00 to 30-APR-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOUNTAIN CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow led to the Mississippi River at Fountain City rising over Highway 35, closing Main St from April 25th to 26th.

Flood in BUFFALO, WISCONSIN
From 20-APR-23 21:15:00 to 27-APR-23 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALMA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow pushed the Mississippi River at Alma into flood stage from April 22nd to April 27th. The crest of 17.05 ft on April 25 was 1.05 ft over flood stage.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 17-APR-23 11:00:00 to 30-APR-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GENOA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow pushed the Mississippi River at Genoa into flood stage on April 17th. The crest of 635.72 ft above sea level on April 27 was 4.72 ft over flood stage. Water flowed through Genoa Park and into Water Street. Lock & Dam 8 in Genoa was closed, as was Blackhawk Island a few miles downstream in De Soto. The increased flow also resulted in multiple train cars being carried downstream during a train derailment near De Soto on April 27th. Flooded roadside ditches made further recovery efforts into May more challenging.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 17-APR-23 22:00:00 to 30-APR-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow resulted in many road closures in Prairie du Chien. These closures included St. Feriole Island, Highway 18, and County Road K. Many homes were affected with residents having to be evacuated from the rising waters.

Flood in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 17-APR-23 00:15:00 to 30-APR-23 23:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE SOTO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow pushed the Mississippi River at La Crosse into flood stage on April 17th. The crest of 15.89 ft on April 26 was 3.89 ft over flood stage. Multiple parks were closed due to flood waters, including Pettibone Park which was fully submerged and sustained significant road damage. French Island, which abuts La Crosse, had a voluntary evacuation order in place. People were forced to pump water from their basements around the clock and used canoes in the streets.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 19-APR-23 08:00:00 to 30-APR-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LYNXVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Significant upstream runoff from the combination of rainfall and melting snow pushed the Mississippi River at Lynxville into flood stage on April 19th. The crest of 630.26 ft above sea level on April 26 was 5.26 ft over flood stage.