High Water Levels On Green Lake Threaten Isanti Co. Residents
SPICER, Minn. (WCCO) – Lake residents in parts of east central Minnesota are hoping for drier weather soon as high water remains a big problem for many near Green Lake in Isanti County.
High water is typical of many lakes in Isanti, Chisago and Anoka Counties.
Heavy spring rains and snowmelt have swollen lake levels, putting a pinch in the start of the boating season.
For his 66 years on Green Lake, longtime resident Ken Murray has seen the water rise and fall before.
"I've seen the water in the middle of the picture windows on those cabins, over there on that side of the lake," Murray said.
While it's far from a record, it's been a spring to remember.
It's been awhile since sandbags have gone up instead of docks.
"Winter ending with quite a bit of snow then wet. Then we had quite a bit of rain, seven inches. Just poor conditions," Murray said.
Those poor conditions have caused the lake to rise roughly two feet above normal, threatening low lying cabins.
Sandy Grunewald, who owns a cabin in the area, says she's glad she does not have a basement.
But she does have a remodeling project that will be on hold until the lake recedes and dry weather returns.
"We were supposed to start building a three season porch. Delivered the lumber but with rain, obviously not building today. Hope the foundation goes in and isn't in mud," Grunewald said.
Due to the threat of erosion and dangers of boats hitting submerged objects, the no wake restriction remains in place on Green Lake.
It will stay in place until the level recedes to normal, which may be a couple more weeks providing there isn't another deluge like the seven inches of rain that fell a few weeks ago.
