Crookston, Minnesota – Water levels on the Red Lake River are rising fast enough to trigger flood concerns across Polk County, with impacts possible as early as Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, a Flood Watch is now in effect for the Red Lake River at Crookston from Monday morning through Sunday, April 19. River levels measured 11.7 feet as of 9 a.m. Sunday, but projections show the river could reach the 15.0-foot flood stage by early Monday.
That threshold marks the beginning of minor flooding, with local impacts expected near low-lying areas along the river. If levels reach 16.0 feet, Crookston Public Works will begin around-the-clock monitoring of pumps, gates, and valves to manage water flow and reduce infrastructure strain.
Residents in Crookston and across Polk County should stay alert, especially those living near the river or in flood-prone zones. Roads near the riverbank could become impassable if water levels rise quickly, and changing conditions may affect access to some rural areas.
Emergency officials urge residents to prepare now by securing property, checking sump pumps, and avoiding unnecessary travel through flooded roadways. Even shallow water can stall vehicles or hide road damage.
The Flood Watch replaces improving conditions farther south, where the Buffalo River near Dilworth in Clay County is no longer under threat.
Water levels will be closely monitored over the next several days, and additional alerts or warnings could be issued if the river rises faster than expected.
