UPDATE: Mississippi River flood forecast in La Crosse remains at 15.9 feet, in “major” category

Several area cities, including La Crosse and Winona, are being warned about the chance of “major” flooding as the Mississippi continues to rise.

According to the National Weather Service – La Crosse, the Mississippi River was around 14.5 feet on Thursday night.

Watchers now predict a crest of 15.9 feet to happen Monday or Tuesday, a level that has been passed only in 1965 and 2001. The forecast had briefly been lowered to 15.8, during the day on Thursday.

On April 18, 2001, the Mississippi reached its second-highest level ever in La Crosse at 16.4 feet. In 1965, it rose to 17 feet, Meteorologist Jordan Wendt of the National Weather Service – La Crosse told WIZM.

Riverside Park and other areas along La Crosse’s riverfront are now closed because of rising flood waters.

The city Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department announced the closing of Riverside, Copeland and Pettibone parks Wednesday morning. The roads through those parks also are closed, along with Houska Drive near the downtown blue bridges. 

Several trails near the riverfront and through the marsh also have been closed until further notice.

CLOSED PARKS:

• Pettibone Park and Pettibone Beach: 700 N. Pettibone Dr
• Copeland Park: 1130 Rose St
• Riverside Park: 100 State St
• Riverside International Friendship Gardens: 405 E Veterans Memorial Dr

CLOSED TRAILS:

• Marsh Trails
• Cottonwood
• Grand Crossing
• Willow
• Jim Asfoor Trail
• Community Trails
• Green Island Trail
• Houska Park Trail

CLOSED PARK ROADS:

• Joseph Houska Drive
• Pettibone Drive
• Logan Street (West of Rose St)
• Copeland Park Drive
• E Veterans Memorial Drive