Water levels drop on Fountain Lake

Published 11:21 am Sunday, September 25, 2016

Water levels on Fountain Lake had decreased by about a foot at all spots where measurements were taken Sunday, a press release stated.

“The water level at Albert Lea Lake has decreased about 6 inches at the dam, but has increased about 3 1/2 inches at Frank Hall Drive,” the release stated. Water levels are not expected to increase there.

Water levels have risen substantially after torrential rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning brought widespread flooding to Albert Lea and the surrounding area.

A collapsed manhole has been found near Abbott Street, where water was getting in, forcing the city to use pumps.

“This location has been sandbagged and these pumps remain active,” the release stated. “There remains one pump by Ruble Street, which is being used to relieve pressure on Pearl Street. The main lift station continues to have two pumps running at full capacity. The city expects this to continue until the water levels on Albert Lea Lake decrease.”

Freeborn County Road 101 and West Edgewater Drive are no longer underwater.

Assessment teams will begin to inspect residential property for storm-related damage Monday. The teams will inspect properties where damage has been verbally confirmed,

Upon inspection and verification of damage, the property owner will will receive a voucher allowing them to dispose of damaged debris at the Albert Lea Transfer Station Monday through Thursday, a press release stated.

The Transfer Station will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with property damage related to flooding is advised to call 507-373-3964 or email jody.larson@co.freeborn.mn.us and provide your name, address, phone number, number of occupants in the home, what was damaged and the approximate value of the damage.

“This information will aid Freeborn County in assessing the individual damages that were incurred in Freeborn County,” the press release stated.