It was spring break week in Lowell which meant many families fled for warmer climates. Those who stayed were treated to an April snowstorm which, at least locally, seemed to have more bark than bite. However, the big news has been the rising river levels which are threatening to do more than flood the fairgrounds as they do each year.

But more about that in a moment…let’s start on dry ground.

The trails have been big news lately with some concerned the city might miss out on its chance to be part of a connector between segments of the Fred Meijer Trail network. City Council held a special meeting earlier this week to discuss the issue. The Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails have been working to convert old railroad lines to trailways. In Lowell, this includes the abandoned rail line that used to run across Foreman and by Cherry Creek Elementary School. While the rails have long since been removed, Lowell’s First Look did find this old rail fastener that was left behind. We don’t know when it was installed, but its patent was apparently granted in 1837.

In last week’s Builder’s Edition, we neglected to include a photo of the ongoing work at the wastewater treatment facility by the fairgrounds. When we stopped by earlier in the week, all seemed dry, but just a little down the road, it was a different story.

The fairgrounds flooding in the spring is nothing unusual. We see a scene like this every year.

However, this year will see more flooding than usual. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Grand River at Lowell and expects the water to crest at 16.3 feet tomorrow (Sunday) morning. Flood stage for the river is 15 feet, and the Grand River should be above that level until Tuesday morning. While the Lowell Police Department says those north of Main Street shouldn’t need to worry about flooding, residents to the south could be impacted. There may also be water on S. Jackson Street as well.

If you remember the flooding that occurred in February 1997, the National Weather Service says what we’ll see this weekend is comparable to that event.

The road leading from the fairgrounds to the Grand River is closed off. We’re sure the Lowell Police Department would appreciate it if everyone stayed on dry land and out of the fast moving flood water.

The North Country Trail on the south side of town is currently underwater.

Fields on both sides of the river off Jackson looked like lakes on Saturday afternoon.

Water roars through the downtown dam as a fisher tries his luck.

By King Milling, the water was nearly to the top of the old trestle bridge.

Water laps up the steps at the rear of the King Milling parking lot next to the river.

This swan on the Flat River seems very nonplussed by the whole thing. However, our thoughts are with those on the south side of town who may be preparing for wet basements and flooded yards. We hope that like the snowstorm on Thursday, the flooding will be much ado about nothing.