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. 

stream sensor in action

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 inundation maps for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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. 

farm pond

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. 

An outreach event at the LACMRERS facility, as students look at a watershed model located outside by the river

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.

Sam Hermite

"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."

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science & Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board

News & Features

A hydrostation in a green field, with stormy clouds above

The best flood warning systems? Here’s what works to save lives.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
If states fully commit to the idea, they could build a flood warning system like the Iowa Flood Information System, which is considered one of the best in the country. After a record-breaking 2008 flood, the state legislature set aside about $1.2 million a year for the University of Iowa to develop a statewide flood monitoring system. University scientists deployed nearly 300 low-cost stream and river gauges on unwatched waterways. They combined those observations with USGS river gauges, radar data on rainfall and local hydrologic models that predict how water will move through Iowa’s soil, streams and cement. Eventually, they created an online map that gives visitors a real-time look at water levels in rivers across the state and forecasts for future flooding that update every few minutes.
Spencer, Iowa community meeting

‘The damage is on the inside of properties, and it is on the inside of people too’ - Spencer, IA reflects on historic flooding

Thursday, July 3, 2025
What started as a rise in river levels quickly escalated into a record-breaking flood that devastated Spencer, Iowa. The Little Sioux River surged far beyond forecast, putting the city’s infrastructure, leadership, and resilience to the ultimate test. The City of Spencer had prepared for a 17-and-a-half-foot river crest. Something the city had seen many times before.

Events

Okoboji Blue Water Festival promotional image

Okoboji Blue Water Festival

Saturday, August 9, 2025 (all day)
Arnolds Park
The Okoboji Blue Water Festival was founded in 2016 as a venue to promote clean water and other natural resources advocacy in the Iowa Great Lakes. The festival has grown exponentially each year and is now regarded as the premier water quality event in Iowa. There will be activities for kids, fishing seminars and keynote speakers, and exhibitors, including IIHR. The Okoboji Blue Water Festival supports the stewardship of clean water and other natural resources through participation, education...
ISAC Annual Conference promotional image

ISAC Annual Conference

Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22, 2025 (all day)
Veterans Memorial Community Choice Convention Center
Join us on Aug. 20-22 for the ISAC Annual Conference taking place in person at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Each August, ISAC brings together county officials and employees from across the state for this educational conference. This is going to be an unforgettable event that will feature a great agenda and a casual feel with a lot of education, networking, and activities. Registration opens on the ISAC registration website on Wednesday, June 4, and will...
ISAC Annual Conference promotional image

ISAC Annual Conference

Thursday, August 21 to Friday, August 22, 2025 (all day)
Veterans Memorial Community Choice Convention Center
Join us on Aug. 20-22 for the ISAC Annual Conference taking place in person at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Each August, ISAC brings together county officials and employees from across the state for this educational conference. This is going to be an unforgettable event that will feature a great agenda and a casual feel with a lot of education, networking, and activities. Registration opens on the ISAC registration website on Wednesday, June 4, and will...
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