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. 

watershed model demonstration

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

A shot looking up at one of the IFCs hydrostations, against a blue sky

How federal layoffs and funding freezes could impact weather forecasts and flood preparation

Monday, April 21, 2025
Ben Kieffer,
Samantha McIntosh
Iowa Public Radio
A federal hiring freeze and layoffs at the National Weather Service are impacting the accuracy of forecasts and long-range outlooks. IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering Director Larry Weber shares how tens of millions of dollars in federal grants and contracts that were headed to the University of Iowa-housed laboratory have been put on hold.
A flooded road in Columbus Junction is blocked off by National Guard members.

Columbus Junction Pairs with State and Federal Agencies to Address Future Flood Concerns

Thursday, April 3, 2025
KCII Radio
Sitting at the confluence of the Iowa and Cedar Rivers in Louisa County, Columbus Junction has dealt with flooding issues including widespread events in 2008, 1993 and prior. The city was chosen in 2023 as one of four to join the Iowa Flood Resilient Communities Cohort, along with Muscatine, Dubuque and Manchester. These cities will work with the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) and American Flood Coalition (AFC) to mitigate future hazards.
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Events

3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration at Fairport Fish Hatchery promotional image

3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration at Fairport Fish Hatchery

Saturday, April 26, 2025 10:00am to 3:00pm
Fairport Fish Hatchery
Join us at the Fairport Fish Hatchery on April 26th for the 3rd annual Earth Day Celebration! Explore the historic interpretive trails, check out the new education pavilion, and enjoy talks from notable speakers. IIHR Program Coordinator Ellen Carman will be speaking from 11:10 to 11:25 AM. This event is rain or shine! If the weather doesn't cooperate, Earth Day presentations and activities will be moved indoors to the LACMERS building.

Bur Oak Land Trust Prairie Preview

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
We invite you to join us as an exhibitor at the 40th Annual Prairie Preview on Wednesday, May 14 from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Iowa Memorial Union International Ballroom. Last year, nearly 300 people attended, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community! This year, we are once again dedicating the entire event to community building and networking, without a keynote speaker, to foster meaningful conversations and engagement. Stop by the IIHR and Iowa Flood Center exhibit for...
Discover Your University promotional image

Discover Your University

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Hydraulics Wind Tunnel Annex
Participants will learn about the research activities at IIHR, including the statewide hydraulic monitoring network maintained by the Iowa Flood Center. The tour will include a visit to research labs housed in the Hydraulics Wind Tunnel Annex and discussions with IIHR research staff and faculty.
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