3-10-14 flooding outlook

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — If all this snow melts too quickly, there could be severe flooding in areas of Wisconsin.  That's according to the National Weather Service.  Steve Buan, the senior hydrologist for the North Central River Forecast Center in Chanhassen, Minn., says the ripening flood conditions have been caused by higher-than-usual snowfall and frost depths nearing 8 feet in some places.  He says the frost can cause problems because water will have trouble seeping into the ground, and that forces the runoff into the rivers.  He warned that cities along the Wisconsin, Rock, Fox, Pecatonica and other state rivers should prepare for flooding.  The Portage area is the biggest concern because of an expected overload from melting snow in northern Wisconsin flowing down the Wisconsin River.