Cannon River in Northfield crests at possible record height
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Experts believe the Cannon River finally crested in Northfield on Sunday evening, reaching 901.52 feet above sea level.
If confirmed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, it would break the previous record of 901.5 feet set in 2010. As of 6 a.m. Monday, the river had dropped to 901.26 feet.
As rapids of water rush past downtown Northfield on Saturday, Brianna Egan's shopping trip took a detour to check it out.
"It's pretty crazy how strong the current can be," said Egan.
Onlookers Saturday afternoon were there to capture the moment and see for themselves the power of the swollen river. Tree-sized logs were easily tossed around by the near-record water levels of the river.
"The highest I've ever seen it," said Kai Lace.
Further upriver, a hiking trail is now a swimming pool for Lace and Owen Amys-Roe.
"Going swimming a little bit," said Lace.
"It's pretty crazy to see," said Andy Hauskins.
Hauskins works for Carlson Capital Management, but has recently taken up a side hustle as a sandbagger, in an attempt to protect his workplace from flooding.
A wall of sandbags, along with gas and electric pumps, have helped protect the building.
"No damage to the building. We had a little bit of water on some of the carpet," said Hauskins.
The business has upped its game since that record flood, but Hauskins said they couldn't have done it without the community.
One hundred people helped set up sandbags around the business.
"It's, I think, one of the reasons people like Northfield is people come together in situations like this," said Hauskins.