Weekend Storms Bring Significant Rain
Most of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed received 3 –4 inches of rain from relatively intense storms Thursday, August 14, 2025, through Monday, August 18. Due to uncertainty in storm track and dynamic atmospheric conditions, precipitation totals were 1.25 to 2 inches higher than forecasted, raising water levels in the watershed and leading to flash flood watches across the Twin Cities.
During the heavy rainfall, Minnehaha Creek peaked at 408 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Saturday, August 16, reaching bank-full conditions in some areas. Lake Minnetonka rose 0.24 feet from 929.36 to 929.6 feet due to rainfall, representing a volume of almost 3,500 acre-feet of water.
As Minnehaha Creek flow subsided, Gray’s Bay Dam discharge was gradually increased between August 17 and August 19, from 75 cfs to 250 cfs, in accordance with the Dam’s operating plan.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently predicting minimal rain over the next two weeks. MCWD will continue to evaluate conditions, short-term forecasts, and long-term outlooks, to determine Dam discharge rates that balance water levels and align with the operating plan’s goals.
Also in this update
- 2025 Precipitation Trends and Forecasts
- Current Water Levels
- Gray’s Bay Dam Operations
- Water Level Resources