River Conditions
Illustrated map of Mississippi River

River stage

Burlington, Mississippi River

River level
10.43 ft
Status
Below flood stage
Action stage
14.00 ft
Flood stage
15.00 ft
Record crest
25.73 ft

Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS BRLI4

Record crest
25.73 ft
Flood stage
15.00 ft
Moderate flood
16.50 ft
Major flood
18.00 ft
Crest date
2008-06-17

In brief

The Mississippi River at Burlington, IA read 10.43 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 3.57 ft below action stage.

Source: National Weather Service gauge BRLI4

Stage threshold profile

Action stage 14.00 ftMinor flooding 15.00 ftModerate flooding 16.50 ftMajor flooding 18.00 ft CURRENT 10.43 ft

Highest crests on record

RankCrestDate
1 25.73 ft 2008-06-17
2 25.10 ft 1993-07-10
3 24.47 ft 2019-06-02
4 23.65 ft 2014-07-06
5 23.54 ft 2019-05-03
6 21.82 ft 2001-05-14
7 21.50 ft 1973-04-25
8 21.18 ft 2008-05-02

Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.

What happens at each level

  1. 13.50 ft

    Water affects Sullivan Slough Road south of Burlington.

  2. 14.00 ft

    Water covers Cabin Road in Gulfport.

  3. 15.00 ft

    Agricultural flooding occurs.

  4. 16.00 ft

    Water affects low lying buildings and homes in Montrose and Niota.

  5. 18.00 ft

    Water affects Bluff Harbor Marina. Water affects North Shore Marina in Fort Madison. In Dallas City, water affects First Street at the ball park.

  6. 18.50 ft

    Water is over the bank south of the Burlington auditorium. Water also reaches the base of Old Fort Madison.

  7. 19.00 ft

    Water goes over the new seawall on the riverfront. Water affects streets bordering the river in Pontoosuc.

  8. 19.50 ft

    Water affects residences on First Street in Dallas City. Water also affects several homes in Pontoosuc.

  9. 20.00 ft

    Water affects industries at the south end of town. Water affects most of Riverview Park in Fort Madison.

  10. 20.50 ft

    Water affects several homes on First Street in Dallas City. Carman Road Blacktop is affected by floodwaters. Water also reaches the top of the Niota town levee.

Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mississippi River flooding at Burlington?

No. The Mississippi River at Burlington is at 10.43 ft, 3.57 ft below action stage.

What is the flood stage at Burlington?

The National Weather Service sets action stage 14 ft, minor flooding 15 ft, moderate flooding 16.5 ft and major flooding 18 ft.

What is the highest the Mississippi River has been at Burlington?

The highest crest on record is 25.73 ft, on 2008-06-17.

Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge BRLI4). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.