Flooding in Eau Claire

The city of Eau Claire has issued a warning about potential flooding in the city. At 5 AM today the Chippewa River gauge at Grand Avenue read 770.6 feet, approximately three feet below the flood stage reading. 

The current crest projection is 771.7 feet for Tuesday, May 21. Some of the Chippewa River Trail will be below water at that point. 

As a safety precaution, the following areas are closed:

• Chippewa River Trail
  • Lighting along the Eau Claire river has been disconnected
  • street underpasses
    • Farwell St.
    • Madison St.
  • UW-Eau Claire Fine Arts Building
  • Boat landing behind Hobbs Ice Arena
• Owen Park – including; lower levels, tennis courts, and band shell

For safety, the city recommends the following:

 Stay Safe

Flood waters can contain debris and generate currents that are stronger, faster, and more unpredictable than normal conditions which can cause unstable bank conditions and make recreational use of the river unsafe. 

Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!  Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

Stay Informed

Sign up for Rave Alerts through Smart911 – a free service that will provide emergency messages to you via text, recorded message, email, or all three. 

Get email updates through the City of Eau Claire website at EauClaireWI.gov. Under “Our City” look for e-Notifications.

Further information is available on the City’s website at www.eauclairewi.gov or contact the City of Eau Claire, Department of Community Services 715-839-4649.  A recorded version of the river level update is available at 715-839-6002.