Moderate to major flooding expected next week on key Minnesota rivers

Here comes flood season.

Our rapid warmup is quickly melting snow across our region this week. Rivers are already rising quickly in many areas. This time-lapse of the Clam River in northwestern Wisconsin shows the trend.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s snow water equivalent report still shows between 2 and 6 inches of water in the snowpack across Minnesota in areas north and west of the Twin Cities.

With temperatures moving from the 50s to the 80s, that snow is going to rush into rivers at a quickening pace.

10-foot rises

The latest hydrograph flood forecasts for area rivers show a 10-foot rise is likely on several area rivers. Let’s check a few select high-impact rivers.

St. Croix at Stillwater

The latest flood forecast for the St. Croix at Stillwater projects a 10-foot rise by next Monday, April 17. That would produce moderate to major flooding.

Mississippi River at St. Paul

The current forecast for the Mississippi River at St. Paul calls for about a 9-foot rise by next Monday. That would cause moderate flooding.

Red River at Fargo

The shallow Red River basin is among the most flood-prone in our region. The current forecast call for a 13-foot rise in the Red River by next Monday. That would produce moderate to major flood levels.

There’s also a good chance for some soaking rains Saturday, which could add to flood woes by early next week.

Flooding is likely to be a significant news event in our region over the next two weeks. If you live near a flood zone your preparations should be rushed to completion in the next couple of days.

Stay tuned.