...POWERFUL WINTER STORM ON TRACK TO BRING EXTREME SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AND GUSTY WINDS... ...TRAVEL MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY... .A major winter storm will move across the Upper Midwest starting late Saturday and lasting through Sunday. The first concern is heavy snow, with a broad area of 10 to 16 inches likely, and a narrow swath of 15 to 20 inches Totals across portions of western and central Wisconsin could approach 2 feet. The heaviest snow will fall Saturday evening and overnight, with rates of 2 inches per hour possible. Winds will start out of the northeast at 20 to 30 mph. The second concern is increasing winds on Sunday. Even though the snow will be diminishing on Sunday, northwest winds will increase to 35 to 45 mph. The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions on Sunday across western and southern Minnesota. Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible late Saturday night and Sunday. In addition, the amount of water in the snowpack will make it wet and very heavy, leading to the potential for infrastructure damage and a health hazard for those shoveling. * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Benton, Morrison, Todd, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Douglas Counties. * WHEN...From 10 PM Saturday to 7 PM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 200 and 600 cubic feet per second (cfs), with 400 cfs being the sweet spot. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 5 miles, ending one mile downstream from the southern village boundary of Rice.
This run is rated as a Class II-III run, meaning it has moderate to difficult rapids with some obstacles that require an experienced paddler to navigate. Some of the specific rapids/obstacles on this run include "The Wave," "The Drop," and "The Pinball."
There are specific regulations that apply to this area, including a requirement to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, camping along the riverbank is prohibited, and visitors are asked to observe a carry-in, carry-out policy when it comes to trash and other waste.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run at Blanchard Dam is a thrilling experience for experienced paddlers. Visitors should be sure to check the streamflow conditions before embarking on their journey, as the ideal range can vary depending on weather conditions.
Wind
Humidity
| Last Updated | 2025-12-15 |
| River Levels | 4070 cfs (9.44 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 113% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Run Length | 14.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 05267000 |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
6040cfs |
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
1720cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
|
1610cfs |
Mississippi River At Brainerd
|
1290cfs |