MINNEAPOLIS— The sound of rushing water brought Cassandra and Jesse Spalding out of their home in the Field neighborhood of Minneapolis.
“It’s pretty cool,” Cassandra Spalding said.
“It looks like you could actually kayak in it,” said Jesse Spalding.
Although the flowing creek can be breathtaking to passersby, residents in Edina were preparing their properties Wednesday by laying down sandbags.
Also on Wednesday, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District reduced discharge from Gray’s Bay Dam by half, following forecast rainfall this weekend.
Of Up to four inches of rain is expected Through Saturday, officials said they are on alert for flash flooding along the creek.
Thursday’s water levels are still a far cry from what we almost saw 10 years ago until the day the creek flooded gardens and streets, with a historic crest of more than 18 feet high. For perspective, Thursday’s creek levels are at just over 13 feet.
Watershed officials said the creek would have to rise another five feet to reach flood stage.
Flash flooding could impact parks, gardens and businesses this weekend. However, officials said they do not expect it to reach flood stage unless an unprecedented amount of rain falls.
Further downstream, Minnehaha Falls The water levels are clearly benefiting from the excessive rainfall.
The flowing water serves as a picturesque backdrop for visitors such as George Wieland and Jeanne Sundquist. The two were there Thursday to take in Minnesota’s natural beauty, and water levels not seen in years.
“That’s why we came, because we thought it would be great because of all the water and rain,” Wieland said.
