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Politics & Government

Black Dog Underwater Until Mid-May, Say Officials

The Minnesota River at Savage/Burnsville crested at 708.7 feet on Wednesday, the highest level since 1986

Wet weather has been forecast across the metro area through Saturday and Sunday but according to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Burnsville/Savage area has little to worry about.

The NWS is calling for only light precipitation until Friday morning when a more significant weather system is expected. But Steve Albrecht, Burnsville's new director of public works, insists the Minnesota River is standing firm.

"The river right now is holding. We don't expect it to rise significantly," Albrecht said. "It looks like we're past the worst part of the crest just as long as we don't get substantial rainfall this spring."

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But as of Wednesday morning, water levels in Savage and Burnsville reached 708.7 feet, almost seven feet above flood stage. As many in the community know, Burnsville's Black Dog Road is already underwater and showing few signs of recession.

Albrecht doesn't expect to see a significant change in water levels at Black Dog Road until at least mid-May.

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"As far as Black Dog Road, the ramps are open but the road itself is still closed. We expect it to remain closed for about a month or so before that road would be open," Albrecht told Patch.

 Once the water on Black Dog Road has fully receded, the Burnsville public works department needs 7-10 days to ensure safety and clear debris from the road.

According to the NWS, the Minnesota River has not crested above 708 feet since May 6, 1986 when it hit 708.1 feet. 

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