There is relief on the horizon for communities impacted by flooding int he Rainy River District; headwater levels are dropping, and rising levels are slowing considerably in Rainy Lake.
According to the National weather Service, out of Duluth, MN, Rainy Lake can expect to see an additional rise of 2-6 cm, or 1-2 inches between June 8 and 15. That’s a fraction of the weekly 6-13 inch rises in previous forecasts. Namakan and Kabetogama Lakes, which partly feed Rainy Lake, are expected to fall 7-11 inches in the same week, taking pressure off flooded areas.
Although the rise is slowing, it is expected to continue until mid-June, according to the June 8 flood report by the NWS.
Downstream in Rainy River, high water is persisting, leading to boat ramp closures and dock damage throughout the system, noted the report.
The high water is expected to persist for “the forseeable future,” even after the lake crests, according to the report.
