Important messages for today:
- Recent precipitation has caused increases in lake levels
- The ground is saturated, and ponds and wetlands are near capacity
- Precipitation for the year is significantly above average and further excess rainfall could lead to drainage problems and lake flooding
- City Public Works staff has installed “Save our Shores” signs at the Prior Lake and Spring Lake boat launches, asking boaters to voluntarily travel at slow no-wake speeds
The Prior Lake area received another 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall yesterday (May 27), bringing the total for the year to about 15 inches. We have received about 41 inches of precipitation over the past year (i.e. over the last 365 days). The average annual precipitation for our area is about 31 inches. The past 7 years have all seen above-average precipitation. It is wet out there. Our local lakes are at risk for flooding if the wet weather pattern continues into the summer months.
Prior Lake’s elevation is now 903.63 feet and has leveled off since yesterday’s rainfall. Spring Lake is at 911.88 and rising. We anticipate a secondary rise in Prior Lake elevation due to Spring Lake inputs. If Prior Lake rises past its Ordinary High Water (OHW) elevation of 903.9 feet, a slow no-wake restriction will be enacted. Spring Lake is still about a foot below its OHW. Sandbags and sand will be made available to residents if either lake exceeds its OHW.
The City of Prior Lake is
prepared to respond to potential flooding. In accordance with our Flood
Response Policy, the City has already initiated several flood response measures
this year to address high water levels on Spring Lake and Prior Lake. The City
remains prepared to initiate and deactivate flood response measures as lake
levels change. Water continues to leave the system through the Prior Lake
Outlet Channel. Current lake levels can be found on the Prior Lake-Spring Lake
Watershed District (PLSLWD) website.
City
of Prior Lake and PLSLWD staff continue to monitor local conditions, including precipitation,
forecasted weather, and lake levels, to assess flooding risk.