Water levels recede in northern MN, crews work to deal with flood aftermath

St. Louis County flood disaster declaration

Following storms earlier in the week, and with more on the way this weekend, road crews are working to stay on top of damage throughout northeastern Minnesota.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) - Communities in northern Minnesota are drying out and dealing with the aftermath of substantial rainfall last week that toppled trees, washed out roads, and caused damage to some areas.

St. Louis County officials declared a state of emergency after 2-6+ inches of rain flooded the region.

As water levels have since begun to recede, high flows are not expected to impact the company’s hydro facilities downstream, including Thomson Reservoir and Fond du Lac dam, officials have said.

In addition to the Cloquet River, officials say high water continues in White Iron Lake, below Birch Lake Reservoir near Ely and areas downstream of Whiteface Reservoir.

At Jay Cooke State Park, water levels are almost high enough to reach the swinging bridge.

Just upstream at Thomson Dam, water continues flowing aggressively into the St. Louis River.

To date, more than 1,500 damage points have been recorded throughout St. Louis County. Residents who have sustained damage should complete an online damage report form for the County Assessor's Department. Staff will be inspecting damaged property and property owners might be eligible for relief.

Residents with a private well that has flooded or come within 50 feet of the well wall should also test its water for possible contamination.

Several roads have since reopened throughout the area, but the following remain closed: