Feb 19, 1997
Ice jams continued along the lower reaches of the Raccoon River. A major ice jam, 12 miles in length, began at the 63rd street bridge in West Des Moines. The river went sligtly above flood stage there before it broke free. The ice flowed down the river where it once again became jamed near the mouth of the river. It caused a rapid rise in the river level to nearly 2 feet above flood stage. Roads along the river were closed by the high water and ice. Heavy equipment needed to be brought in
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5586137). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Polk County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.