ST. PAUL — Minnesota officials say the magnitude and widespread geographic nature of flooding make a federal disaster request a near certainty.

Damage assessments have begun but other surveying must wait until waters from downpours in the past week subside.

Minnesota created a $3 million contingency fund this year to match any federal aid for disasters but that could be exhausted quickly. Gov. Mark Dayton said Friday he isn’t ruling out the need for a special session if more funds are required.