Transforming Landscape

Todd's Conservation Minnesota Outlook for the Twin Cities and all of Minnesota: 

SATURDAY: Breezy. Nicer day of the weekend with mild sunshine early, then increasing clouds. Winds: SE 10-20mph Gusts 25. High: 51

SATURDAY NIGHT: Becoming mostly cloudy, light rain showers developing. Up to a couple of tenths of an inch of rain possible. Low: 37

SUNDAY: SPRING BEGINS at 6:21pm. Mostly cloudy with rain showers. Isolated afternoon rumble of thunder? Up to another 0.25" of rain possible. Winds: SE turning WSW late 10-15mph. High:52

MONDAY: Damp start, then clearing. Mix of sun and clouds through the day with a cool north, northeast breeze developing. Low: 39. Winds: NE 5-15mph. High:50

TUESDAY: Rain/snow mix early, then changing to snow. Turning much cooler. Low: 34. High: 43

WEDNESDAY: Much colder with snow. Slushy accumulations possible, especially through central and northern Minnesota. Low:26. High:35

THURSDAY: Lingering flurries early, then turning partly cloudy. Still cold. Low: 22. High: 36.

FRIDAY: Intervals of sunshine with a few stray sprinkles or flurries. Low: 22. High: 36

Photo Courtesy - Rich Koivisto - A 'Snowbird' that winters in Arizona - Lucky guy!

A friendly neighbor mentioned to me yesterday that she had to double take when coming home from work - where did all the snow go? The ugly, dirty brown mess of a snow pack has been reduced to a few piles of all shapes and sizes. The landscape looks a little more like the land of 1 million lakes as large puddles have now shown up in most farmer fields and any other areas where drainage is poor.

Snow Depth Reported Monday - March 14th

Snow Depth Reported Friday - March 18th

The near instant influx of moisture entering the rivers and streams through central and southern Minnesota has sent the hydrological community into a frenzy. Minor to moderate flooding has already started in a few locations along the Minnesota and Crow Rivers with major flooding not far behind.

Information on the latest flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service HERE:

River Gauges Today - Rising Waters
The image below shows the 105 river gauges monitored by the National Weather Service in the selected map area. Out of the 105 gauges visible on the map, only 2 locations were at flood stage (Colors: Orange & Red) in southwest Minnesota. There were also 8 locations near flood stage.

See the NWS River Gauges HERE - Click on the specific/desired location (colored dot) for forecast

 
River Gauges - 48 Hour Forecast
The image below shows the river gauge forecast 48 hours from now. Note, there are 6 gauges in flood stage with one in MODERATE stage along the Cottonwood River at New Ulm. Also note that there are several other locations that are near flood stage (yellow dot) in this forecast range.

Cottonwood River @ New Ulm

Moderate Flood Forecast by Monday 

Latest Hydrologic Outlook HERE

North Central River Forecast Center Page HERE:

Flood Safety Awareness Page HERE:

Today's mild March sunshine will help to accelerate the melting and flooding process, but will be just the ticket for those still suffering the winter blues. Enjoy the last full day of winter today, spring rings in tomorrow at 6:21pm with gray skies, rain and perhaps, a rumble of afternoon thunder in southern Minnesota.

5 Day Precipitation Outlook - Thru AM Wednedsday

 

Soggy Sunday

 

Storm System Next Week - Rain Changing to Snow Tuesday thru Wednesday

Winter hangs on for dear life next week as another storm system rolls into town. Slushy snow accumulations may be possible through Wednesday as temps drop. UGH - hang in there. Have a good Saturday - Todd Nelson

 A Major Earthquake in North America Imminent?
Read & Watch the video about what James Berkland, a former USGS Geologist has to say about where the next 'Big One' might hit.