Mississippi River at 'Major Flood Stage'

City officials estimate the Mississippi River level in Inver Grove Heights has hit 696.6 feet above sea level — roughly five feet below the lowest elevation of the city's levee, which stands at 702 feet.

That means the river level has risen more than six feet since last Tuesday, according to the city's measurements, which are made daily by city crews along 64th Street in Inver Grove Heights.

The National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service recorded similar increases at its flood gauge in St. Paul. There, the river level currently stands 702.12 feet. The discrepancy in the measurements from that gauge and the estimated river level in Inver Grove Heights can be accounted for by the different elevations of the two cities, according to city officials. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Dakota County. On Saturday afternoon, the river reached the 'Major Flood Stage' of 700.62 feet above sea level.

City Engineer Tom Kaldunski predicts the Mississippi River in Inver Grove Heights will peak on Thursday at an elevation of 697.3 feet above sea level at 64th Street. There is the chance that the river will crest more than once over the next several weeks, Kaldunski added. The elevation of the river varies as it runs down the length of the city, Kaldunski said, meaning that the peak river elevation may be slightly lower further downstream or slightly higher upstream.

The city is distributing empty sand bags and sand at no charge to property owners in Inver Grove Heights whose homes or businesses may be affected by the flooding. The materials are stored at the City’s Public Works Maintenance facility at 8168 Barbara Avenue. Property owners can call 651-450-2579 or 651-450-4309 for information.