Jason Arndt, jarndt@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Water penetrated through sandbags Sunday near the Wolf River Express on state Highway 47.
The Menominee Indian tribe and Menominee County on Monday afternoon issued an emergency disaster declaration due to ice jams along the Wolf River that have caused flooding problems in Keshena.
“Homes and businesses in the area continue to be adversely affected, and the tribe and county are continuing efforts to mitigate the situation,” officials said in a joint statement released by both agencies.
The National Weather Service on Monday extended a flood warning through noon Wednesday for state Highway 47 in Keshena.
Reports of flooding began Thanksgiving week and have continued despite efforts by several agencies to address the problem, which has been blamed on ice jams created by frazil ice.
Officials said frazil ice is a buildup of loose, needle-shaped ice crystals. It resembles slush and is the first step in the formation of river ice.
Brian Kelley, owner of Bait and Tackle, said his business along County Road VV faces an uncertain future because of the flooding.
The road was closed Sunday due to flooding between state Highway 47/55 and Blacksmith Road.
“I am not able to run (the store) because it is covered in water. Unfortunately, I do not know what else to do,” Kelley said Monday.
Kelley said he hopes the business, which has been at that location for four years, is salvageable, but time will tell.
“I believe the property can still be used, but it depends on how long the water will stay,” he said. “My next option is to find employment.”
Officials say the problem with frazil ice is larger than they expected, extending north from the ice dam crews busted up Friday to Fairgrounds Road.
Menominee tribal officials assessed one of the ice jams Sunday and concluded it was larger than anticipated.
"At this time, with the amount of frazil ice found, it is unrealistic to reduce or alleviate the ice jam blockage with either mechanical or other means," the agencies' statement said Monday.
The statement also said warmer weather could help reduce the frazil ice jam, but conditions are favorable for worsening of the ice in the upcoming week.
Shawano county emergency management is assisting Menominee officials with alleviating pressure along the Wolf River, which includes the opening of the Balsam Row dam and Shawano dam near Sturgeon Park to release excess water.