River Bottoms - Flood Stage Question

[cheese4brains]

I see from the NWS that the river is forecast to be at or just above flood stage in Shakopee and Savage tomorrow through the weekend. Does anyone know from experience how far above flood stage the river has to be before it impacts the trail? Given that the river is "right there" along much of the western trail, I gotta think ... well, I dunno.

Also, has anyone been out to the trail to see what riding condition it's in?

Thanks in advance

[TomT]

I commute across the old Bloomington Ferry Bridge road daily, and as of this morning I'm not too concerned about the bike path flooding in the near future.

I haven't checked the trail out yet.

[seberly]

Per all the questions the following info is from the National Weather Service - here is today's (Monday) latest river level information.

LOCATION / FLOOD STAGE (feet) / TODAY'S READING (feet) / CRESTING

JORDAN / 20 / 22.8 / NOW

SHAKOPEE / 703 / 704.6 / NOW

SAVAGE / 698 / 698.2 / NOW

So in summary the water should be going down after today - remember this a flood plain - one of the arguments for not paving!!!

If you see things that need attention once the water receeds (i.e. downward sloping stairs etc) please report that - if you can do a bit of necessary maintenance by all means go ahead! Feel free to contact me as well.

There have been many folks noting the puddles - don't go around them and widen the trail the proper etiquette is ride right through.

Steve Eberly
952 201 6294
seberly@att.net

[Kuglemass]

The trail seems to be in fair shape. I just got back from a ride about 90 minutes ago, and the trail from the Ferry Bridge entrance to the Railroad Trestle is drying out nicely. Still some splashes and muddy spots.

The biggest area of concern is that one of the bridges crossing an estuary is completely washed out. Not that I'm averse to getting my shoes wet, but without the bridge, it's a deep, soggy, walk; no chance of gutting through it on two wheels.

Otherwise, the mosquitoes are still at bay, the river is high but not threatening, and the grass and nettles haven't overgrown the trail yet. Keep in mind,I'm only speaking for about 1/3 of the trail.

[seberly]

Tonight I rode the trail from the railroad bridge east to Indian Mounds and things are plenty rideable (only exception is the access path up to France Avenue). I cleaned up a few small downfall areas and there are two or three that need more attention (saws). The raft is floating high - no dragging on the bottom now! I adjusted the ropes a bit (tightened them) so hopefully they will be OK as things receed.

Maybe it is a subtle point but the "washout" mentioned below is duly noted but just a flooded low area which will become rideable again once the water receeds - remember this is a FLOOD PLAIN. You can cross upstream or there was a log there on Saturday that I and others used to step across. Maybe we can put a bridge in there in the future but with all the other priorities that is just not at the top - I also find it fun to drop in and out of there.

I'm thinking of having our first trail trimming session next Monday the 14th so stay tuned.

[Don Youngdahl]

:cryin: Yesterday it was difficult to cross 9 mile creek with the raft because there was a long tree about 10 inches in diameter floating half in and half out of the water on the west end. Think chain saw or three to four people to drag it out of there. Both ends of the raft were also jammed up with floating debris that made it difficult to get on & off without getting in the water. Can't understand why most people won't lift a finger to clear debris like this or think about the next person coming along.

Don Youngdahl