PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MN) Flooding from rapid snowmelt in Minnesota

Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:07:16 EDT

Summary: Flooding is occurring across central Minnesota due to rapid melting of near record snowpack from 2 days of unseasonably warm temperatures in the 80s.

Flooding is occurring across Minnesota due to rapid melting of near record snowpack from unseasonably warm temperatures in the 70s-80s statewide. Flows are currently peaking in the headwaters of the Minnesota River in western MN. Moderate flooding, as defined by NWS flood-forecast categories, is forecast in rivers statewide. Tributaries in extreme southern MN have peaked; many rivers in the middle of the state are forecast to peak in the next week. Mainstem rivers including the Rainy, St Croix, Mississippi will likely peak later. Communities along many rivers have been preparing for snowmelt for several weeks.

Currently all gages are operating and telemetering. Today 11 streamgaging staff from Minnesota are a working mostly in western Minnesota basins of the Minnesota River and Red River of the North, but a few in other parts of state. Activities include making discharge measurements, repairing gages, flagging for possible indirect measurements and assisting with GLRI water-quality sampling. Office staff have been supporting field efforts, communicating with other agencies including the NWS & USACE via NWSChat, responding to emails and phone calls, and have extended at least one stage-discharge rating.