Flood of August 2, 1972, in the Little Maquoketa River basin, Dubuque County, Iowa

Flood peaks with magnitudes from 2 to 3 times the SO-year flood occurred on streams in the Little Maquoketa River basin for the flood of August 2, 1972. Up to nine inches of rain fell in the headwater of the Middle Fork tributary with six to seven inches occurring over most of the Little Maquoketa River basin. The flood peak elevation at the gaging station near Durango exceeded the 1925 flood of record by 1.7 feet. Flood damages were extensive to crops, roads, and bridges. Many of the homes in Durango, Daytonville, and Sageville were inundated to some extent and were evacuated. Flood damages were estimated to be over one million dollars. No loss of life or personal injuries were sustained.

Flood-peak discharges at 12 sites, basin rainfall, a description of the 1972 flood, brief accounts of other major floods in the basin, maximum flood peaks in northeastern Iowa, selected flood-frequency data, and annual floods of record at 5 sites are given.