A dozen Des Moines trails closed as rivers remain above flood stage

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
Updated ·3 min read

Two rivers in Des Moines are experiencing minor flooding after severe thunderstorms hit Iowa Tuesday.

At least a dozen trails around Des Moines and Johnston are closed due to standing water on the paths. Flooding is not at major levels, but river levels did increase sharply due to the storms. Water levels are expected to stay above flood stage until the weekend.

So what bodies of water are nearing flood levels and which Des Moines trails are closed as a result of flooding?

Which rivers are flooded in Des Moines?

While levels have dropped since Wednesday, water levels for the Des Moines River and Raccoon River are still at minor flooding levels.

Reports of minor flooding occurred on Fleur Drive from the Raccoon River, according to the National Weather Service. The river level has spiked in the last few days, increasing nearly 10 feet since Sunday. It crested on Wednesday and dropped a foot by Thursday morning and stands just over 13 feet. The Raccoon River water level is projected to lower by to 9 to 10 feet over the course of the next week, according to NWS.

The Des Moines River is also experiencing minor flooding and nearing moderate flooding, according to NWS. The water level hit 24.9 feet by Wednesday. The river was inching near the moderate flood line of 26 feet. The Des Moines River crested Wednesday evening and stands at 24.7 feet as levels continue to drop to a projected 22 feet.

What central Iowa parks are closed due to flooding?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released a list of state parks that experienced recent flooding. Iowans are encouraged to plan ahead and double-check park details during Memorial Day weekend.

There were eight parks that will experience some form of closures due to the high water levels. The full list can be found on the DNR's website.

Local parks include:

  • Big Creek State Park (Polk County): Big Creek Lake should recede by the weekend after high water levels during the week. Damage from the flooding will need to be assessed once the water drops. It is expected to be minor, according to the DNR. Access to the docks at the marina may be impacted by the flooding.

  • Ledges State Park (Boone County): The canyon was closed to vehicle traffic as of Thursday due to flash flooding. To access the canyon, visitors can hike from the Oak Wood picnic area. The DNR advises against entering streams. The Des Moines River is expected to crest Friday resulting in flooding on Oriole Road on the west side of the park.

  • Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County): The Purple Martin Water Resources Area is flooded. The area is open but part of the loop trail is inaccessible, according to the DNR.

What Des Moines-area trails are closed due to flooding?

Des Moines trail closures:

  • Gay Lea Wilson: Colfax to Williams

  • Neal Smith: Birdland to Sixth Avenue

  • Trestle to Trestle: Interurban to Polk County building

  • Walnut Creek: Grand Avenue Bridge

  • Principal Riverwalk: Principal Park to Riverwalk Park

  • John Pat Dorrian: Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge

  • Bill Riley: Walnut Creek connector to Water Works Park

Johnston trail closures:

  • Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area near the creek through the timber

  • The bridge between Foxboro and Lew Clarkson Park

  • NW 62nd Avenue Clover Leaf and Augustine Trail

  • Water trail access points at NW 70th Avenue and Lew Clarkson Park

  • The north softball parking lot at Lew Clarkson Park

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines, Johnston trails closed during flooding from recent storms