River Raisin Flooding
UPDATE: 02.23.2022 @ 8:00 AM
Last night, there was significant movement in the ice jam. The river level at the gauge behind the water plant dropped more than 2 feet over the course of two and a half hours, and has continued dropping.
The ice pack has moved from just west of the Winchester Bridge at 9 PM last night to its present location east of the last railroad bridge (photo shown) this morning. The gauge is now at 8.09 feet, with flood stage being 9.00 feet.
Some rise in water elevation is still possible, particularly if there are any precipitation events in the near future, but
given that the ice piles have spread out now on the flood plain at Hellenberg Field, it is unlikely to cause significant problems from here on out based on its location.
Elm Avenue and Michigan Avenue are now dry and open to traffic, and the Department of Public Services staff will work to clean the roadway areas, though please note that it is too cold for the street sweepers to operate right now.
Public Safety and Public Services staff will continue to monitor the status situation to deploy required resources as necessary.
UPDATE: 02.22.2022 @ 5:45 PM
The River Raisin water gauge elevation is approximately 11.8 feet, which is the third highest historical crest. In spite of this, flooding on the south side appears to have largely subsided, there are only small pools above the inlets at the corners of Front and Murray, but both roadways are easily passable.
Flooding on the north side along Elm Avenue also appears to be slightly subsiding. This may indicate that water is moving a little more freely under the ice, which is relieving the pressure on the storm sewer system and not causing as significant flooding as before.
Many thanks to the Port of Monroe for sending two tug boats as far up the channel as possible. Although unable to reach the actual site of the ice jam, which is at the Winchester Street Bridge, they have cleared the way downstream for when the ice finally breaks free to make its way to Lake Erie.
Public Safety and Public Services staff continue to monitor the status of the ice jam and associated street flooding.
Staff typically performs a comprehensive review of the situation prior to sunset each day to determine if additional changes in deployment of resources are necessary. Any updated will be posted here and on our
social media channels.
UPDATE: 02.21.2022 @ 3:30PM
The River Raisin water gauge elevation is approximately 11.8 feet, which is the third highest historical crest. In spite of this, flooding on the south side appears to have largely subsided, there are only small pools above the inlets at the corners of Front and Murray, but both roadways are easily passable. Flooding on the north side along Elm Avenue also appears to be slightly subsiding. This may indicate that water is moving a little more freely under the ice, which is relieving the pressure on the storm sewer system and not causing as significant flooding as before.
Many thanks to the Port of Monroe for sending two tug boats as far up the channel as possible. Although unable to reach the actual site of the ice jam, which is at the Winchester Street Bridge, they have cleared the way downstream for when the ice finally breaks free to make its way to Lake Erie.
Public Safety and Public Services staff continue to monitor the status of the ice jam and associated street flooding.
Staff typically performs a comprehensive review of the situation prior to sunset each day to determine if additional changes in deployment of resources are necessary. Any updated will be posted here and on our
social media channels.
UPDATE: 02.20.2022 @ 4:00PM
Public Safety and Public Services staff continue to monitor the status of the ice jam and associated street flooding. The River Raisin water gauge elevation is approximately 11.7 feet. At the present time there is no change in status. Ice remains jammed near the Winchester Street bridge, with street flooding remaining in approximately the same locations as the past 48 hours. Staff typically performs a comprehensive review of the situation prior to sunset each day to determine if additional changes in deployment of resources are necessary. Any updated will be posted here and on our
social media channels.
UPDATE: 02.19.2022 @ 5:00PM
As of today, the River Raisin water gauge elevation is approximately 11.5 feet. Currently, flooding has receded from several affected city streets, some of which are now open for travel.
Additionally, it has been observed the ice jam has moved further downstream. The city is aware of some basement flooding in a few select locations. The Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor the flooding for any changes, and our Department of Public Services staff will move barricades accordingly. For up-to-the-minute updates, please check in with our PD's Twitter account (@Monroe_Police).
We would again remind our residents that if they need immediate assistance to contact 911, or for non-emergency, please call 734.241.3300. Also, when driving, please avoid water covered roads and do not cross Road Closure signs.
PREVIOUS INFORMATION:
Flood Warning in effect from early this morning to late this evening, Friday, February 18, 2022.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring.
* WHERE...River Raisin At of Monroe City.
* WHEN...From early this morning to late this evening.
* IMPACTS...At 9.0 feet, Flooding begins at the Monroe YMCA. At 9.5 feet, Several homes flood on the western edge of Monroe.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... At 5:00 AM EST Friday the stage was 9.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 5:00 AM EST Friday was 9.0 feet. - Forecast...Minor flooding is ongoing with current river levels now at 9.0 feet. The river level is expected to rise and crest around 9.5 feet near 12 PM EST. Fluctuations to flood height and peak crest timing will be possible due to variable ice coverage and ice restricted flow along the river. - Flood stage is 9.0 feet.
Extensive street flooding resulting in road closures in the following locations:
1. East Elm Avenue from Maple to Mason Run Boulevard (the roadway is closed from Maple to Dixie)
2. East Front Street from Wadsworth to Kentucky
3. Any cross streets in the above areas for up to a block away from the river
If you need immediate assistance please contact 911 or for non-emergency, please call 734.241.3300.
ICE: Ice is jammed west of the Winchester Street bridge, due to having 3 bridges in close proximity with support piers that do not line up with each other and often prevent easier movement of ice. Based on recent observations, it is unlikely this pack will be moving soon, much of it is over a foot thick. The River appears to be open and flowing from Macomb Street upstream, but could still continue to rise based on yesterday's rainfall in the upstream basin hitting the ice jam.
Please refer to the page linked below for information on the recent Wet Weather warning and homeowner flooding mitigation guide.