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.

View IFIS
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

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
KTIV
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.
A combine harvests cereal rye, leaving behind rows of soybeans in a relay intercropping system.

Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding

Monday, June 23, 2025
Iowa Public Radio
Across much of the Midwest, the atmosphere is becoming warmer and retaining more water, leading to heavier downpours. A two-crop system called relay intercropping could help farmers buffer weather whiplash and boost profits.
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Events

5th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory promotional image

5th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory

Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00am to 11:00am
Ashton Cross Country Course
What types of plants, animals, and fungal life might you find at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory? Let's find out! Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory in our 5th Annual BioBlitz. Your findings will inform a major research project and will contribute to the fifth data point in a multi-year documentation of how diversity changes at this site over time. Collections will be housed with the UI Museum of Natural History...
Applied Hydraulics at IIHR: Stormwater Diversion and Drop Structure Design for Ellicott City promotional image

Applied Hydraulics at IIHR: Stormwater Diversion and Drop Structure Design for Ellicott City

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa is the oldest academic research center in the United States focused on hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics. With over a century of experience, IIHR has played a key role in advancing the science and application of hydraulics in major civil infrastructure projects worldwide. This webinar will provide a brief overview of IIHR’s research mission, technical capabilities, and areas of collaboration, followed by a focused look at our...
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...
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