Though the U.S. Geological Survey currently doesn't have the St. Croix River meeting the minimum height requirement for minor floods, the river crossed into the National Water Prediction Service’s threshold for minor flooding before dipping just down below it on Wednesday.Â
The U.S. Geological Survey considers minor flooding to be 687 feet (gage height). As reported by the survey, here are some of the latest measurements of the St. Croix River:Â
June 15: 683.2 feet
June 16: 682.84 feet
June 17: 682.77 feet
June 18: 682.67 feet
June 19: 682.74 feet
June 20: 682.79 feet
June 21: 683.16 feet
June 22: 683.86 feet
June 23: 684.44 feet
June 24: 684.88 feet
June 25: 685.33 feet
June 26: 685.88 feet
Note: Gage height is the distance of the stream water surface above the gage datum (reference point), per the survey. Read about the history of stream gages in this interactive post for more information.
Drone pictures of St. Croix River in Hudson.
It's official: Lakefront Park is experiencing flooding. Photo: Jack White/Star-Observer. This one photo was not taken with a drone.
In Stillwater, Minn., the city closed its Lift Bridge due to rising water levels. MnDOT maintenance and bridge crews placed concrete barrier on the non-lift sections of the bridge, raising the lift span approximately 15 feet above the deck. The ballast serves to prevent possible movement of the structure due to flood waters, the state department said in a statement.Â
Also in Minnesota: State Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency, authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to assist with the floods, according to the Star Tribune.
River levels are up across the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin after recent rainstorms. The NOAA and the National Weather Service offer a map, which can be seen here.
The gage datum is a uniquely selected reference point for each gage site, according to the survey. Most of the time, it is picked to be below the lowest anticipated depth of a stream or lake because streambeds change over time. At some locations, particularly those near the ocean, this arbitrary reference point may be picked to be at sea level.
Find additional data points at the United States Geological Survey website.
Drone footage:Â Sally Shepherd
Words:Â Kaitlyn Doolittle, Jack White
Photos:Â Sally Shepherd, Jack White
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