The U.S. Geological Survey documented severe flooding across southern Wisconsin in June 2008, with the Rock and Crawfish rivers among the worst. Water that rises that far soaks into foundation walls and framing and stays there. Riverside homes are dried in stages, against readings, until the framing comes back dry.
Key takeaways
- The USGS documented the June 2008 flooding in southern Wisconsin, with Jefferson among the affected communities.
- River water soaks into foundation walls and framing, and stays after the river has gone down.
- Drying is staged: extraction, removal of what cannot be saved, then drying against readings.
- Riverside basements need the framing checked before they are closed up again.
What did the June 2008 flood do to southern Wisconsin river towns?
The USGS documented severe flooding across southern Wisconsin, with the Rock and Crawfish rivers among the worst and Jefferson among the affected communities.
The Crawfish River at Milford was above flood stage that month, and the USGS keeps a gauge on the Rock River at Jefferson. The Watertown Historical Society's timeline records flooded basements and damaged property in early June 2008.
Those records are the best-documented local water risk in the area. They are not a forecast.
How is a flooded riverside basement dried?
Standing water is extracted first, wet materials that cannot be saved are removed, and the framing is dried against readings.
Stone and older masonry are slower to dry than newer block or concrete, so the time is set by the readings, not a calendar.
Mold can follow damp framing. Check the framing before anything is closed up again.
Frequently asked questions
Does river flooding mean my whole basement has to come out?
Not always. Materials that were wet briefly and dried quickly can often be kept. The readings show which materials can stay.
Who do I call when the river is rising?
Call (833) 490-5225. A technician can extract water and set the drying plan once the river has receded enough to reach the property safely.
Sources
This guide is general information for Jefferson County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.