BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – After a week of heavy snowfall across northeastern Wisconsin, concerns about potential flooding are on many residents’ minds. But officials in Brown County say current conditions are working in the region’s favor for now.
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Emergency management officials report that both lake and river levels remain relatively low.
“We have a couple of good things going for us,” Brown County emergency management director Dan Kane said. “Number one, the lake levels are pretty low, and river levels are fairly low. They can handle a little bit of this water coming in without a problem.”
Kane also said the pace of the snowmelt will be the most important factor in determining whether flooding becomes an issue. A gradual thaw would significantly reduce the risk of widespread problems.
“As long as we continue to have a slow melt, that’s what we want to see,” Kane said.
Currently, rivers in the area remain below what is known as the ‘action stage.’ That stage is the level at which flooding concerns typically begin. However, officials caution that conditions could change quickly if the region experiences heavy rainfall or a rapid warm-up.
The East River is being closely monitored as a potential trouble spot due to its numerous tributaries and higher water flow.
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In the meantime, officials are urging residents to take simple preventive measures, such as clearing snow and debris from storm drains near their homes, and considering flood insurance as a precaution.
“Those steps can help protect you in the long run,” Kane said.
