Spirit Lake, Iowa — Officials are keeping a close eye on water levels of the Iowa Great Lakes. As of a little before 6:00 am Monday morning, the Okobojis were at 5.56 feet. An emergency 5 mph rule on the Okobojis kicks in at 6.2 feet. The most recent highest levels for the Okobojis is 6.65 feet on July 4th, 2018. The all-time record high is 8.73 feet on July 17th, 1993.
On Big Spirit Lake, the level as of about 6:00 am Monday morning was 15.45 feet. The emergency 5 mph rule on Big Spirit kicks in at 16 feet. The most recent highest level on Big Spirit is 15.97 feet on July 4th, 2018. The all-time record high for Big Spirit Lake is 18.79 feet on July 18th, 1993.
Recent heavy rains have been quickly driving up the levels. Another 1.29 inches of rain fell in Spirit Lake overnight Sunday. Forecasters say more heavy rain could fall on the region this Tuesday. The good news is that things should start to dry out in the latter part of this week, with at least several days of dry weather expected.
Flood warnings remain in effect for a number of area rivers.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake)
