Active AlertsWanless, MN

High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of recent heavy rains on top of peak snowmelt rates. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are nearing those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin.
What: Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues.
Where: In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties.
When: Until 700 PM CDT Saturday.
Impacts: Minor flooding is occurring, especially in low lying or poor drainage areas and close to rivers and lakes. River or stream flows are elevated. Flooding is occurring on area rivers that are popular for waterfall viewing.
Additional Details: - At 323 PM CDT Wednesday, automated river gauges and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is already occurring. Very light additional rainfall could fall into Thursday. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are nearing those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Little Saganaga Lake, Isabella, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Basswood Lake, Saganaga Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Hudson Lake, Thomas Lake and Isabella Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Campers and hikers should avoid flooded trail crossings. If camping at a site along or near the banks of rivers or streams, move away from those locations and seek higher ground. Trails in hilly terrain can quickly become unstable during or shortly after heavy rainfall. Portage and hiking trails may be impassable and low-lying campsites may be inundated with excessive runoff in this section of the Boundary Waters as flooding is occurring or imminent. Rapids may be very dangerous.