United States Active Warning and Alerts Center

FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 PM CDT WEDNESDAY

Cook County, MN Lake County, MN St. Louis County, MN

High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River
watershed due to the effects of recent heavy rains and snowmelt.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties.

* WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Some low water crossings may become impassable. River and stream
flows are very elevated.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 1113 AM CDT Tuesday, the public and automated river gauges
reported flooding in the advisory area. Rapid river rises
have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area.
- This includes the following streams and drainages...
Isabella River, Moose River, Jeanette Creek, Horse River,
Kawishiwi River, and Hustler River.
Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.2 inches are expected
over the area in the next couple of days.

- Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated
lake levels. Water levels are near or above those seen during
flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024.

- Far eastern and southern areas of the advisory near the end
of the Gunflint Trail and Ely are likely reaching peak levels
this weekend, with decreases expected through the coming
week. For areas near and on Basswood Lake and Lac La Croix,
expect rises to continue into and through much of the week of
May 4. The advisory may need to be extended.

- Those venturing into the Boundary Waters should prepare for
high water and possible inundation of portages and campsites,
as well as dangerous rapids and very cold water.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Gunflint Lake, Snowbank Lake, Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Sea Gull
Lake, Saganaga Lake, Ensign Lake, Disappointment Lake and Lac
La Croix.
- Flood safety information can be found at
www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

...PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Campers and hikers should avoid flooded trail crossings. If camping
at a site along or near the banks of rivers or streams, move away
from those locations and seek higher ground.

Portage and hiking trails may be impassable and low-lying campsites
may be inundated with excessive runoff in this section of the
Boundary Waters as flooding is occurring or imminent.

Report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and to the National Weather Service in Duluth when you
can do so safely. Flooding can be reported to the National Weather
Service at 1-800-685-8612.