CHARLES CITY — Years with the number eight at the end are not necessarily good for Charles City when it comes to flooding.
For example, on this date 10 years ago (June 9, 2008), Charles City experienced its highest Cedar River crest on record at 25.33 feet. Less than a week later, what is now the 9th highest crest pushed through at 20.12 feet on June 14, 2008.
The flood of 2008 significantly changed the city. Homes were destroyed and it’s historic suspension bridge was washed away. A cable-stayed pedestrian bridge today spans the river in place of what was affectionately called the “Swinging Bridge.” Debris of that bridge was used to make a sculpture at the foot of the new bridge. The sculpture was dedicated last year.
The city also built Iowa’s first whitewater course in the damaged stretch of river downtown, along with an expansive Riverside Park.
As of 9:40 p.m., this June 9, the city is on alert for a potential 17-foot crest on Monday, June 11.
That would tie the flood of Feb. 28, 1948 as the 19th highest crest.
Below a ranked list from the National Weather Service of historic Cedar River crests in Charles City.
- 25.33 ft on 06/09/2008
- 22.81 ft on 07/21/1999
- 21.64 ft on 03/02/1965
- 21.60 ft on 03/27/1961
- 21.44 ft on 08/16/1993
- 21.20 ft on 03/17/1933
- 21.00 ft on 09/24/2016
- 20.33 ft on 09/17/2004
- 20.12 ft on 06/14/2008
- 19.52 ft on 05/21/2013
- 19.14 ft on 04/07/1965
- 18.90 ft on 04/08/1951
- 18.75 ft on 04/01/1993
- 18.30 ft on 03/28/1950
- 18.00 ft on 03/30/1962
- 17.96 ft on 06/30/1969
- 17.79 ft on 04/08/2001
- 17.58 ft on 07/12/2000
- 17.00 ft on 02/28/1948
- 16.82 ft on 06/20/2014
NORTH CEDAR REPORTS 