City of Cedar Rapids, IA
06/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/27/2024 13:56
With river levels projected to rise, City takes protective steps
We are continually monitoring Cedar River levels and taking proactive steps to protect residents and businesses as the river rises. To stay informed, sign up for CR News Now text/email alerts or download our app, Mobile CR, for instant updates on current conditions.
Jump to: Road Closures | Park & Trail Closures | Recent Updates
Current Conditions
Cedar River Expected Crest Level*: 14.6 feet (moderate flood stage)
Expected Crest Date: Saturday, June 29
Current Protection Level**: 15 feet
Current Protection Efforts: Plugging storm sewer manholes, placing pumps.
Current & Projected River Levels Map:National Weather Service
*We will continue to monitor the forecast, as it may fluctuate as additional data comes in.
**We have the ability to increase the level of protection should conditions warrant.
Road Closures
Residents are asked to heed all road barricades and to not drive through standing water.
Expected road closures:- Otis Rd SE from Cargill south to Prairie Park Fishery Entrance east of RR crossing.
- Penn Ave NW and 1st street NW to Ellis Blvd NW
- Ellis Blvd NW from O Ave NW to Penn Ave NW
- Ellis Road from River Bluff Road to Covington Road
- Old River Rd SW from Ely Rd to Sunshine Ct SW
Park & Trail Closures
The following park facilities will be closed in preparation for high water. Closed facilities will reopen after the water has receded and clean up has been performed.
- Cheyenne Dog Park closed beginning Friday
- Access to Robins Lake closed
- Manhattan pavilion closed and parking lot barricaded
- ADA dock near Ellis Park closed
- Trail from Ellis Boat Harbor to Ellis Road is being monitored and may be closed
- Prairie Park ADA fishing pier closed
- Cole Street trailhead closed to Bertram trailhead
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail closed from 8th Avenue to 16th Avenue
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail closed from Tait Cummins to the A Street landfill
- Prairie Park Fishery trail closed
- The backside of Seminole Valley Park closed (where the air strip is)
Ellis Harbor:
The expected water level will make the main channel boat ramp and EEE side at Ellis Boat Harbor inaccessible. It is recommended that any property on the EE or EEE side be removed by noon on Wednesday.
We will continue to monitor park facilities in flood-prone areas for any additional closures.
Recent Updates
Thursday, June 27 2:30pm
City Boat Ramps Closing at 8:00p.m. Thursday
The City of Cedar Rapids is closing access points and boat ramps to the Cedar River effective at 8:00p.m. Thursday, June 27 and will tentatively re-open them at 8:00a.m. on Sunday, June 30. This includes boat ramps at Mohawk Park, Ellis Boat Ramp, Valor Way, and Prairie Park as well as all walk-in points. Rising waters on the Cedar River make recreational use of the river dangerous for boaters, canoe/kayakers, and tubers. It also creates an unnecessary safety risk for emergency crews called for rescue operations.
This is a standard practice for the City anytime the Cedar River reaches 13 feet on the gauge at Cedar Rapids.
Tuesday, June 25 // 11 AM
The National Weather Service updated the expected crest to 14.5 feet anticipated on Saturday. Several park facilities have closed in preparation for high water.
Our scheduled protection level remains sufficient for the current predicted crest, with the ability to increase the level of protection should conditions warrant.
Monday, June 24 // 2 PM
The National Weather Service updated the expected crest to 13.4 feet anticipated on Friday.
We will have crews on standby to monitor protection measures around the clock as the river rises and remain in close contact with the National Weather Service for any changes to these crest predictions.
Sunday, June 23 // 10 AM
Areas north of Cedar Rapids received quite a bit of rain over the weekend, and are forecast to get more. Because of this, the Cedar River is expected to begin rising on Tuesday and is expected to crest Thursday at 14.7 feet.
Action stage for the Cedar River is 10 feet, and minor flood stage is 12 feet. So we will be preparing for action similar to the last event in May, when the river crested at 13.06 feet.
With protection measures in place, impacts are not anticipated to homes or businesses.
We will remain in close contact with the National Weather Service for any changes to these crest predictions. For the latest info on river levels, visit here.