Ice dams cause high water, possible flooding on Wisconsin River in Portage

The National Weather Service has issued a flood forecast for the Wisconsin River in Portage after water levels rose over 3 feet Monday, according to a release.

The high water on the Wisconsin River is from the buildup of ice dams on the Wisconsin River south of Portage, officials said.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of ice dams we don’t know if the water will continue to rise in the Portage area or if additional ice dams will form at other locations on the river,” officials said in the release. “We are currently seeing flooded roads in the lower areas of Blackhawk Park.”

Officials are encouraging people who live in low-lying areas along the Wisconsin River to monitor the river for any increase.

Local authorities will continue to monitor the problem and provide updated information, but people who live in areas that start flooded are encouraged to evacuate, according to the release.