...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 10 and 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Sherburne, Stearns, Wright, Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.
The ideal streamflow range is between 150-1000 cfs, with 300-500 cfs being the optimal range for experienced paddlers. The river is rated as a Class II-III, with several rapids and obstacles throughout the 19-mile segment from the confluence of the Clearwater River to the northwestern corporate boundary of Anoka.
Some of the notable rapids include "Pinball", "Pinch", "Roller Coaster", and "Island Rapids". There are also several logjams and strainers that paddlers should be aware of. It is recommended that paddlers have at least intermediate-level skills and experience before attempting the Whitewater River Run.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has specific regulations for the area, including a mandatory life jacket requirement, a prohibition on alcohol consumption, and a ban on camping within the first two miles of the segment. Additionally, paddlers should be aware of private property boundaries along the river.
Wind
Humidity
| Last Updated | 2025-12-01 |
| River Levels | 222 cfs (1.46 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 99% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | ii-iii |
| Elevation | ft |
| Run Length | 40.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 05275000 |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
1720cfs |
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Elk River Near Big Lake
|
274cfs |
Crow River At Rockford
|
386cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
6040cfs |
Rum River Near St. Francis
|
209cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
St. Cloud Clearwater RV Park
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Warner Lake CP--East Bicycle Camp
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Lake Maria State Park Campground
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Schroeder County Park Campgrounds
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