Politics & Government

Flooding: City Not Overly Concerned but Prepping for "Worst Case Scenario"

Predicted high water levels around Lake Minnetonka and Minnehaha Creek may pose a threat, but not city-wide.

Lake Minnetonka’s projected spring water level is just three inches below the record high set in September 2002. According to the latest engineered model from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Lake Minnetonka’s water level may reach 930 inches come spring.

Also, district officials warn that when the water level reaches 930 inches, water will flow over the spillway next to Dam. Overflow depends on the timing and rate of direct snow melt into the creek. The numbers may sound ominous but, according to Minnetonka Spokesperson , Minnetonka residents don’t necessarily need to be concerned. 

“Minnetonka has wetlands and open space which acts like a sponge to absorb excess water,” Larson said. “Some may have higher water in their yards but we’re not concerned about structure flooding (or) creek flooding.”

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Still, city officials are "preparing for a worst case scenario." The city's fire and emergency management department have started compiling a list of volunteers and groups that might be used in various flood operations. City officials are also looking at potentially problematic drainage areas to ensure they're working properly and resupplied their stock of sandbags.

Minnetonka falls within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District—a geographic area encompassing 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The watershed district has set up an interactive website for residents to assess the risk of flooding to their properties.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The best predictor of flooding is past flooding, Larson said. City and district officials encourage at-risk homeowners to consider flood insurance.

“As warmer temperatures approach, we encourage all property owners to ... be prepared to manage the risks that come along with spring in Minnesota,” said Watershed District Administrator Eric Evenson.

Minnetonka City Council meets with watershed district officials April 9. 

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The week of March 14 is Flood Safety Awareness Week. National Flood Safety Awareness Week is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property. Click here for more information. 


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