Remember the old joke about the two seasons in Minnesota? Well, we’re adding another one: In addition to winter and road construction, it seems that the southwest metro also has flooding season as well. According to Scott County Public Works, it appears that as soon as the snow finally stopped falling, “it decided to melt quite rapidly … resulting in the Minnesota River to rise quite rapidly as well.” The following is based on current rainfall forecasts (which are minimal) and the current forecasts for river elevations and when it may crest:
- Trunk Highway (TH) 19, Henderson: Based on current forecasts, this could close sometime late Tuesday or Wednesday. It appears as though the river will crest in this area over the weekend and slowly begin receding. As of right now, the forecast does not provide the time when it may fall below TH 19 elevations.
- Scott County Road (CR) 9/Carver CR 11, Jordan: Again, based on current information, this road could close late Thursday or early Friday. Right now, the river is forecasted to crest in this location on Sunday/Monday.
- Scott County CR 1/Sibley CR 5, Blakeley: This area has roughly the same timing as the Jordan closure (above). However, it’s difficult to be precise with this crossing as it does not have a river gauge like the others do.
- TH 41, Shakopee/Chaska: As of now, the river is not forecasted to reach levels which would require closing.
The information provided is based on current forecasts and, like day-to-day weather is subject to change, and as such the timing of the possible closures could change as well. We will keep everything updated as they develop, and also when and if road closures are necessary.