Flood Update No. 3 - March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
This evening, rising water levels are reaching the bottom of the Bridge Avenue bridge in downtown. With a good amount of ice still in the river system upstream, there is concern about ice jams and quick rising water levels should large amounts of ice begin hanging up on the bottom of the bridge. As of 7pm, some ice sheets had made contact with the bridge both Delano and Wright County Emergency Officials made the decision to close the bridge until further notice. The ice conditions in the river will be reevaluated on Friday morning, when a further determination will be made regarding the status of the Bridge Avenue bridge.
Additionally, the City encountered a problem with a storm sewer pipe allowing river infiltration along River Street near 2nd Street South. A pump has been installed at that location and is alleviating the potential problems that exist in that location. Delano Public Works crews will monitor this pump, along with many others, in the coming days during high waters. The City is urging the public to please leave the pumps operate as they are set up. Changing the inflow, rate of pumping, or other mechanical issue with the pumps can limit their purpose and create additional problems.