March 11, 2019 Update
The City of Prior Lake and Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) staff continually monitor local conditions such as winter snowpack, precipitation, and lake levels to make sure we are prepared for any potential spring flooding & assess flooding risk.
Early spring is a time when flooding potential receives some extra attention and this year is no exception. According to the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen, the weather outlook and the potential for snow or rain is the biggest wild card every year and late winter weather conditions will be the main spring flood driver. Right now localized flooding on streets due to blocked stormdrains and major rivers in Minnesota are most at risk for flooding. The risk is much lower for area lakes.
Currently, there is above-average snowpack in the watershed. The Prior Lake Outlet Structure continues to function and release water out of the system. The PLSLWD, the organization responsible for managing the lake outlet, opened the low-flow gate of the outlet structure March 5. According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, “…the flood threat is high. The severity of the flooding will depend on the weather conditions for the rest of March into April.” With warmer temperatures on the way and rain in the forecast, City crews will be out clearing paths to storm sewer drains over the next couple days to prevent street flooding later in the week. City & PLSLWD staff will continue to keep an eye on the situation and provide updates.