St. Croix River falling at Stillwater

The flooding outlook in Stillwater is improving but officials say they still plan to keep the city's temporary dike protecting downtown in place until mid-April.

The National Weather Service reports the St. Croix at Stillwater is now expected to crest at 86.3 feet at 1 a.m. Friday, several inches below flood stage of 87 feet.

Previous forecasts had put the crest at 1 a.m. Saturday at flood stage.

The river was at 85.9 feet early Thursday. Weather service forecaster Jim Taggart tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press that there's no significant rainfall in the forecast, so the St. Croix should continue its slow fall.

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Still, City Administrator Larry Hansen says the city will keep its 2,000-foot dike just in case. The Stillwater Lift Bridge will remain closed for the time being.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)