Ely, Minnesota — High water and minor flooding are already cutting off trails and campsites across northeastern Minnesota Friday afternoon, with fast-moving rivers creating dangerous conditions in Ely, Grand Marais and along the Boundary Waters.
Flooded portages and submerged low-lying campsites are making sections of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area impassable, especially near Ely, Isabella and along the Gunflint Trail outside Grand Marais. Rapid currents are also increasing the risk for capsizing in narrow river channels.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, water levels across the far eastern Rainy River watershed will remain elevated through 7 p.m. Saturday, with additional rises possible before gradual declines begin. The South Kawishiwi River near Ely is under a flood warning as runoff from recent heavy rain combines with peak snowmelt.
This is part of a broader system of repeated rainfall and melting snowpack that has pushed rivers near levels seen during flood events in spring 2022 and June 2024, overwhelming drainage in forested and low-lying terrain.
Campsites in flood-prone shoreline areas and low crossings near Seagull Lake and Isabella are likely to take on water, while hiking trails may become muddy or fully submerged within hours of additional runoff.
Visitors should avoid fast-moving water, reroute away from flooded portages, and delay backcountry travel where access points are compromised.
Flooding and hazardous river conditions will remain most dangerous through Saturday afternoon, especially near narrow rapids and low shoreline campsites where water levels continue to rise.
