History: 1938 Clark Co., Wis. Flood

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

----Source: Area Newspapers, contributed photos from Dolores Zukowski from the Donna (Baird) Larson Collection

September 10-16, 1938 - Southwest Wisconsin basins, WI: Intense rainfall from thunderstorms produced massive flooding and five fatalities in Wisconsin (not necessarily in ARX HSA). Rainfall at Neillsville exceeded 6 inches over a 6-day period ending on the 12th. The Black River at Neillsville established a crest and discharge record (23.8' and 48,800 cfs) on September 10, which has withstood all subsequent assaults. Downstream on the Black River, Galesville had its 3rd highest stage/discharge ever. Flooding was also observed on the Wisconsin River, where Muscoda also recorded its highest stage and flow ever (11.48' and 80,800 cfs).

Saw mill east of the Black River, next to Co. trunk G.

Bridge over the Black River

Greenwood, Wisconsin City Park

Rock Creek Flood, 1938

Rock Creek Flood, 1938

Rock Creek Flood, looking south toward the old bridge on Hwy. 73 toward Neillsville from Greenwood, Wisconsin.