Spring Flooding potential across most of the Northland is around normal based on increase amounts of snow water and fairly deep frost depths. Spring flood risk is above normal around Lake Superior where there is a greater about of snow water.
Snowpack water increased after mid February winter storm.
Precipitation and rate of snowmelt while the ground is frozen through early spring will be one of the most important flood risk factors. This outlook does not take into account the risk of flash flooding.
Deep frost and moist soils could lead to poor infiltration and efficient runoff if heavy rains fall while the ground is still frozen.
| Threat | Impact to Potential Spring Flooding | Links |
|---|---|---|
| High River Levels | Below Normal Streamflow | USGS WaterWatch MN WI |
| High Soil Moisture |
Below Normal North, Above Normal South |
CPC Soil Moisture |
| Winter Precipitation |
Lower to around normal |
6 to 10 Day 8 - 14 Day |
|
Current Snowpack/Liquid Equivalent |
Normal to Below Normal, Above Normal around Lake Superior |
|
| Rate of Snowmelt | TBD | 24, 48, & 72 hr Snowmelt |
| Frost Depth | Normal to Above Normal | Frost Depth Map |
| Spring Precipitation | TBD |
Point Forecast (Next 7 Days) Precip Outlook (Upcoming Weeks) |
NWS Duluth Snow Survey Data for the MN Arrowhead and Rainy River Basin:
NWS Duluth meteorologists perform snow surveys each winter to fill critical snow water equivalent (SWE) data gaps across portions of Northeast Minnesota. The latest survey was on Feb 17, 2026. All the latest SWE observations in the last 72 hours across the Northland can be viewed at this link. Most SWE data comes in on Mondays.
| Location | Snow Depth (inches) | SWE (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Tofte Ranger Station | 10 | 2.3 |
| Sawbill Campground | 18 | 3.2 |
| Windy Lake (Lake Co. Hwy 7) | 16 | 3.2 |
|
Wye Lake (Lake Co. Hwy 7) |
14 |
2.6 |
| Little Isabella River Campground | 10 | 2.3 |
| South Kawishiwi River Campground | 12 | 2.7 |
| Sand Lake Campground (Lake County Hwy 2) | NA | NA |
| Wales | NA | NA |
| Big Lake Boat Launch (Echo Trail) | 12 | 2.2 |
| Lake Jeanette Campground (Echo Trail) | 10 | 2.6 |
| Echo Lake Campground (Echo Trail) | 15 | 2.9 |
| Littlefork River near Linden Grove | NA | NA |
| Little Moose Trailhead (MN State Hwy 65) | NA | NA |
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