Little Quinnesec, a former paper mill dam in Niagara, Wis., now owned by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, takes on flow from the Menominee River on Friday. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

A flood warning will remain in effect until Thursday for rivers throughout the region, although a reprieve from wet weather is expected to take hold after a chance of snow tonight, the National Weather Service said.

The flood warning includes the Menominee, Sturgeon, Michigamme, Brule, Pine and Oconto rivers. Rain and potential thunderstorms Friday night and early today could contribute to elevated flows, forecasters said.

Rivers in flood-prone areas were generally expected to crest this weekend before gradually receding below flood stage over the next several days.

Near-wintry weather is expected today and Sunday, with a high in the Iron Mountain area near 43 today and 39 on Sunday. The forecast then calls for sunshine and a warmup, with a high of 50 on Monday, 63 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 69 on Thursday.

Upper Peninsula Power Company on Friday urged the public to stay away from Dam 1 on the Escanaba River near U.S. 41 in Delta County and other hydroelectric facilities due to high water flows.

Water rushes through We Energies’ Big Quinnesec Falls Dam on the Menominee River in Breitung Township on Friday. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

“While water flows at Dam 1 remain within an acceptable range for safe operation, UPPCO is actively evaluating the potential impact of additional rainfall on this segment of the river,” said Dan Freeborn, manager of Communications and External Affairs. “UPPCO monitors the facility 24/7 and is in direct contact with local emergency management as the spring melt continues.”
UPPCO said key safety actions at hydroelectric facilities include:

— Obey all posted signs and barriers and stay out of restricted areas.

— Keep a safe distance from dams, spillways, and powerhouses, where fast-moving water and strong currents can occur.

— Avoid swimming, boating or wading near intake structures and discharge areas, as undertows and turbulence can be dangerous.

— Be alert for sudden changes in water levels, which may happen during routine operations or high-water events.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encouraged private well owners to consider testing their drinking water after significant rainfall and flooding. Heavy rains, such as those that swept through much of Wisconsin the past week, can impact drinking water quality, the DNR said.

Flood waters and runoff contain bacteria and other contaminants that can affect private water supplies and cause the spread of waterborne illness. Wells located in pits, basements and low-lying areas are especially susceptible to contamination, the DNR said.

The Sturgeon River bridge on County Road 577 in Vulcan has been closed since Wednesday by the Dickinson County Road Commission due to flooding over the road. Motorists are asked to use County Road 573 as an alternate route until further notice.

In the Powers area, a detour onto local streets remained in place after both eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 2 had to be closed due to high water.

Menominee County officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday “due to sustained widespread and severe damage to public infrastructure caused by severe flooding.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Natural Resources Division staff was notified at approximately 5:45 p.m. Thursday about a potential oil spill at the McKay Bay boat launch, east of Cedarville.

Upon learning of the issue, staff immediately contacted local and tribal law enforcement and began coordinating with the Coast Guard on containment and cleanup efforts to prevent the spill from migrating to sensitive coastal wetlands, the Tribe said Friday in a news release.

An investigation into the cause and full extent of the spill is ongoing.