Only minor flooding in Clear Lake area

(Above) Fishing at the Ventura Grad required boots on Friday, as mid-week rains pushed the lake level to over 13 inches above the weir.  Officials at the Water Treatment Plant say the level rose to 13.20 inches above the weir on Sunday.  By Tuesday, Sept. 27, it had fallen to 10.80 inches above.-Reporter photos by Chris Barragy.

The Clear Lake area escaped major flooding which caused damage throughout North Iowa late last week.  Heavy rain Wednesday night across North Central Iowa and southern Minnesota caused hazardous situations throughout the area. River flood warnings were issued for numerous rivers.  According to the National Weather Service, the Winnebago River in Mason City rose to 14.2 feet after midnight Thursday, 4.2 feet above flood stage, then started to fall below flood stage by Sunday morning. The Cedar River near Osage and at Charles City continued to rise to near 22.5 feet by Friday morning, 10.5 feet above flood stage.

Cerro Gordo County Engineer Mary Kelly reported more than 50 roads closed at one point last week. The eastern half of the county was hit the hardest, as well as parts of the northwestern part of the county north of Clear Lake.

Clear Lake Public Works Director Joe Weigel directed city crews to sand bag along the outlet when the pipe capacity which carries water under South Shore Drive reached three-quarters capacity.  Thankfully, the water did not rise to 2008 flood levels.