Low Lake, River Levels in Central Minnesota Prompt Caution for Boaters

(KNSI) – The impacts of this summer’s drought in Minnesota are noticeable on the state’s waterways, and those low lake and river levels could spell danger for boaters.

At 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, the Mississippi River at St. Cloud measured 3.84 feet deep and is expected to remain below 4 feet for the next several days. Lakes at the Mississippi headwaters are also low, says Jason Hauser, park ranger at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crosslake Recreation Area.

“The dams on our lakes are at minimum flows, which they will be operating at this for quite a while,” Hauser said. “We would be in really bad shape if it got to the point where we had to reduce flows further than what they are right now.”

Lower lake and river levels warrant caution from boaters, according to Hauser, especially when using boat ramps.

“You’re going to see with the low water that you’re going to have to go in further,” Hauser said. “So, what happens when boats power load — you shouldn’t do this at a ramp, but people do power load — it erodes the base of the ramp, so when you get off the concrete, there’ll end up being a hole. If you have to back in further, then your trailer could actually go off the ramp and get stuck.”

Sediment mounds caused by power loading can also build up around boat ramps and could be a hazard for props.

“It’s a really good idea to exercise caution in shallow water, maybe go a little slower than you normally would, because you’re going to be picking up sediment and maybe disturbing aquatic vegetation in areas that you normally wouldn’t,” Hauser said.

Along with being aware of your surroundings and wearing life jackets, Hauser says patience with other boaters is key. He says many first-time boaters hit the water last summer, and at the same time, the U.S. Coast Guard recorded a 26.3 percent increase in boating accidents and 25 percent increase in recreational boating deaths across the country from 2019 to 2020.

“It’s a good idea to be patient at the boat ramp,” Hauser said. “So, if you’re an experienced boat ramp user, just use some patience and make sure that the folks in front of you, you’re able to help them out if needed.”

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