ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, expects lake levels at Big Sandy Lake, near McGregor, Minn., to rise higher than originally forecast.
The higher forecast is due to the Corps receiving more data on the rainfall within the basin.
During the past several days, rainfall has totaled approximately 7.5 inches over a wide portion of the Big Sandy Lake Basin. Rainfall over previously saturated soil has resulted in both an increased rate of runoff and an increased amount of water into the lake. The lake is presently at an elevation of 1220.5 feet and rising at a rate of 1 foot per day. The anticipated crest for Big Sandy Lake is between elevation 1222.5 feet and 1223.5 feet June 30.
The record lake level was an elevation of 1224.82 May 19, 1950.
For real time pool elevations, visit the St. Paul District’s water control website at: http://www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil/dcp/SDYM5.html and select “pool elevation” for the past seven days, then select “go.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, serves the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. It contributes around $175 million to the five-state district economy. The 700 employees work at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.
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Release no. 12-072