Frost Line Depth in La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin state rule
- Checked Oct 2026
- Sources
State-set value
48in
122 cm · 4 ft
48 in (Wisconsin rule)
Set by the state: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 321.16 (minimum; deeper where frost goes deeper).
Source and how we checked
La Crosse does not publish its own value; the state rule applies.
Document: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Climate: 148 nights a year at or below 32 °F (NOAA 1991–2020, La Crosse Wfo, 1.7 mi).
Checked Oct 2026. Report a correction
How deep is the frost line in La Crosse?
Wisconsin sets the frost footing depth for La Crosse at 48 in (122 cm). Footings, piers and other permanent supports must reach at least this depth (IRC R403.1.4.1).
Who sets the frost line depth in La Crosse?
Wisconsin writes this depth into its statewide residential code, so La Crosse’s building department enforces the state’s number rather than setting its own. La Crosse County uses the same 48 in, so the depth does not change at the city limits. See how Wisconsin sets frost line depth.
How deep do footings, decks and water lines need to be in La Crosse?
House or garage footing in La Crosse: dig at least 48 in (122 cm). Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4).
| Project | Depth | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| House or garage footing | 48 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4) |
| Deck footing (attached) | 48 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R507.3) |
| Water service line | 54 in | 6 in below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC P2603.5) |
| Fence post bottom | 48 in | No code rule; common practice is below the frost line |
Work out posts, concrete and footing sizes with the fence post depth calculator or the deck footing calculator.
How cold does it get in La Crosse?
- J
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- D
Average lows are at or below freezing from Nov to Mar. 148 nights a year reach 32 °F or colder; Jan is coldest, with an average low of 8.3 °F.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, La Crosse Wfo station, 1.7 mi away, elevation 1,307 ft.
Monthly temperatures as a table
| °F | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 8.3 | 12.8 | 24.4 | 36.1 | 47.9 | 57.8 | 61.8 | 60.3 | 52 | 39.9 | 27.7 | 15.4 |
| High | 23.6 | 28.7 | 41.1 | 55.4 | 67.2 | 76 | 79.5 | 78.1 | 70.8 | 57.6 | 41.7 | 29.2 |
La Crosse has fewer freezing nights than 28 of the 52 other Wisconsin places we track. The Wisconsin median is 150. Coldest: Marinette County; mildest: Racine.
How likely is the soil in La Crosse to heave?
USDA rates the sampled soil around La Crosse as 10% low, 49% moderate, 42% high for frost action (main soils: Elbaville, Churchtown, Palms).
USDA NRCS soil survey, 9 sample points within 2 mi. Higher frost action means more risk of heave; see frost heave.
How do you confirm the frost line before you dig in La Crosse?
La Crosse at a glance
- Frost line depth
- 48 in (Wisconsin rule)
- County
- La Crosse County
- Population (2023 est.)
- 51,327
- Mean annual temperature
- 45.6 °F
- ZIP codes (3)
- 54601 · 54603 · 54650