Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

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Some residents of Winona's Latsch Island houseboat community in southeast Minnesota might have to abandon ship. River ice, snowpack and rising waters are threatening to overwhelm some of the houseboats, which residents prefer to call "boathouses."

The Mississippi River is predicted to reach a minor flood stage by Wednesday, and some houseboat dwellers are working to keep from getting swamped. This winter's deep freezes and heavy snow have trapped some of the homes in feet of ice.

John Rupkey's home has floated next to the island for 41 years. With water coming over his deck and 14 inches of ice beneath him, he's worried this year could be his last.  

"I've never seen anything like this. This is way beyond what I've ever seen. I'm preparing to abandon ship if I have to, if the river starts to come into my house."

Chainsaws, ice augers and heaters are a few of the tools people are using to try to free their homes from the ice. Boathouse Association president Richie Swanson's house is still stuck. 

MPR News photographer Evan Frost went to see how residents are trying to stay afloat.

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Some residents of Winona's Latsch Island houseboat community in southeast Minnesota might have to abandon ship. River ice, snowpack and rising waters are threatening to overwhelm some of the houseboats, which residents prefer to call "boathouses."


Some residents of Winona's Latsch Island houseboat community might have to abandon ship. River ice, snowpack and rising waters are threatening to overwhelm some of the houseboats, which residents prefer to call "boathouses."

Abandon houseboat? Ice and rising water threaten Latsch Island lifestyle

John Rupkey stands in front of his houseboat.

Evan Frost | MPR News

The Winona bridge is seen from the 2nd floor of Doug Johnson's houseboat.

Ice and snow encase John Rupkey's home on Latsch Island. 

John Rupkey points to the 14 inches of ice encasing his houseboat.

John Rupkey stands on the deck of his houseboat.

Thirty-five-year Latsch Island resident Chris Parnell uses a sled. 

Holes made by an ice auger surround Richie Swanson's houseboat.

Richie Swanson shows off a bruise he got using an auger.

Abandon houseboat? Ice and rising water threaten Latsch Island lifestyle

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