Recent rain in the upper Chippewa River watershed has caused elevated river levels in Eau Claire. At 7:30 a.m. the Chippewa River gauge at Grand Avenue read 766 feet. This is 7 feet below the downtown flood stage of 773 feet. At this level the river is elevated to our Action stage resulting in the closure of the lowest lying areas of the Chippewa River trail.
At this level, for the safety of residents the following areas are closed:
o Chippewa River Trail
UW-Eau Claire Fine Arts Building
Boat landing behind Hobbs Ice Arena
Additional rain forecast in the upper Chippewa River watershed is expected to cause the river to crest at 770 feet on Saturday, April 20. At this level, water will have impacted a number of spots on the Chippewa River Trail and could require additional closures.
The City of Eau Claire will continue to monitor the river closely and
provide information and updates as necessary.