Serving Iowans
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public. IFC researchers, staff, and students strive to develop the most innovative tools and reliable information to improve Iowa's flood preparedness and resiliency.
Flood Monitoring
Nearly 300 stream-stage sensors designed, built, and deployed by IFC measure river levels every 15 minutes, improving flood monitoring and forecasting. Hydrologic weather stations improve flood- and drought- prediction capabilities.
Flood Mapping
High-resolution statewide flood maps for every Iowa stream, along with scenario-based flood inundation maps, keep individuals and communities safe and informed—protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
Flood Mitigation
IFC staff and researchers provide leadership and technical expertise that supports collaborations with local, state, and federal partners to develop and implement watershed-based strategies to mitigate flood damage and increase resilience.
Education and Outreach
The IFC participates in dozens of outreach activities each year and is dedicated to ensuring its resources are easily accessible and tailored for diverse audiences. IFC support for undergrad and grad students is developing Iowa's future workforce.
Iowa Flood Information System
IFIS is a free, Google Maps-based web platform that communicates real-time information about stream levels, flood alerts and forecasts, and hydrologic conditions for the entire state of Iowa.
"Iowa really knows...They've modeled and mapped the state, they have great data and visualization tools, and they have really effective outreach and communication. To really have a complete flood approach, you have to do all of those things."
News & Features
Iowa research engineer invents physics-based approach for measuring river flow
Iowa House bill calls for statewide flood resiliency report
Events
Environmental Advocacy Day
Join us! Support Iowa's environment and the health of all Iowans.
IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering and the Iowa Flood center will be joining the Iowa Environmental Council's Environmental Advocacy Day to discuss research and tools that are helping Iowans prepare for extreme weather, including floods, droughts, groundwater, and water quality challenges.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
We hope to see you there!
Danville Family STREAM Night
You're invited to the Danville Family STREAM night on Tuesday, March 3!
Danville's family STREAM night will bring together students, parents, and community members for an evening of hands-on learning, exploration, and inspiration. Local businesses and organizations will provide STREAM-related activities for families to participate in. The Iowa Flood Center will be hosting a table, displaying their interactive watershed model that educates Iowans on flooding in order to keep our communities safe.
W...
Iowa Flood Center & Iowa Geological Survey Legislative Breakfast
Thanks to the leadership and foresight of the Iowa Legislature, Iowans have access to reliable tools and resources through the collaborative efforts of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) and Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) to enhance decision-making for floods, droughts, and groundwater challenges that impact our state.
IFC and IGS students, staff, and researchers will host their annual legislative breakfast reception on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Iowa State Capitol Building in the first...