Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The City of Spencer has officially activated their Level 1 response under the city’s Flood Response Plan that was written following the devastating flood of 2024.  City Manager Kevin Robinson says it’s a proactive measure taken following the heavy rainfall upstream in the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers which converge in Spencer.

As of Thursday, forecasters said the most likely scenario was for the Little Sioux River to crest at 12 feet between July 5th and July 7th.

Under the city’s Flood Response Plan Level 1 is for water levels at 10 to 14 feet, Level 2 is 14 to 16 feet, and Level 3 is over 16 feet.

Robinson says the berm system at the river is designed to hold water up to 18 feet before it would reach East Leach Park and any city streets.

The water level was 22.2 feet during the historic flood of 2024 and 20.2 feet during the most recent catastrophic flood in 1953.