CARLTON, Minn. — Warmer weather swept across Minnesota the past week and melted almost all of the snow on land.
But this means all of the snow has also melted into rivers and waterways, leading to rising river levels.
Some people took notice in northern Minnesota, capturing photos of the St. Louis River in Carlton, Minnesota, approximately 10 miles from Duluth.
Rachel Barger posted this photo of the river crashing up near the Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park in the KARE 11 "That's So Minnesota" Facebook group.
The park closed the Swinging Bridge on Saturday, April 15 "based on proximity of flow to the decking."
"Although overall flow is 2 feet from the decking, the churning water is frequently reaching higher with tree trunks and ice chunks periodically passing below," an alert on the park's website said.
Ken Palmer also shared a couple of images of the river's level "That's So Minnesota."
Anyone planning to visit the park in the coming days is urged to use caution. "Stay away from river edges to avoid accidentally slipping into the fast moving water," the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
Just over a decade ago, Jay Cooke State Park shut down for a similar reason.
The park had to close because of flood damage to nearby Highway 210. The bridge over the St. Louis River was severely damaged back in 2012, and water and sewer services were unavailable.
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