RIVER FLOOD UPDATE – MAJOR FLOODING FORECAST FOR COTTONWOOD RIVER AT NEW ULM

River flood warnings continue for many rivers in the area.  Minor flooding is occurring for the Cottonwood River at New Ulm and major flooding is forecast.  At 8 pm Thursday, the stage was measured at 11.5 feet and is expected to rise to a crest of 19.5 feet Monday morning.  Officials say when the level reaches 19 feet, all trails at Flandrau State Park in New Ulm would be closed.  Cottonwood Street will also be affected.  For the Cottonwood River above Springfield, the stage was 22.6 feet as of 8:30 pm Thursday.  The river is expected to rise to a crest of 31.5 feet early Sunday afternoon.  As for the Minnesota River at New Ulm, the stage was 800.2 feet at 8:45 pm Thursday and is forecast to rise to a crest of 802.4 feet early Sunday afternoon and continue to rise to 805.7 feet by Thursday with additional rises possible after that.