MN DNR Warning Boaters of Issues Caused By Low Lake Levels

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning low water levels are causing hazards for boaters trying to take advantage of the end of summer.

According to the DNR, as water levels continue to drop due to drought, boaters are experiencing significant issues with launching and getting their boats off boat landing and boat lifts.

St. Cloud area guide and tournament angler Mike Raetz talked about how low.

“Water levels are definitely low. They’re some of the lowest I’ve ever seen. The Horseshoe Chain, for instance, is extremely low. I gotta say the water levels at least three to four feet lower than usual which is huge.”

Raetz says it’s challenging to get boats in and out of the water at public accesses.

“This year, I have to get out at every single landing that I go to and I have to physically pick up my boat and push it off the roller because if I don’t, it’s going to roll down and I’ll take my trolling motor out. And that’s definitely because of the low water, because you’re getting into that area where there should be that water, but it’s not so, the ramp wants to keep bending down while your trucks still up.”

The DNR says crews are repairing and extending many boat ramps to help boaters get into the water; however, little can be done to fix boat ramps on naturally shallow lakes or in places where power loading has caused holes too deep to fix with equipment.

Raetz was on the water last weekend end says it’s so low in spots, some boats are getting stranded.

“On a lot of lakes, they’re starting to pull the docks. They’re starting to pull lifts and I feel bad for some of the people. I watched somebody on Minnewaska last weekend for two and a half hours trying to push their boat off their lift because it couldn’t hit the water. If your water is getting low. I would definitely advise getting it off the water before it’s too late.”

The DNR says boaters should consider removing their watercraft earlier than usual before conditions worsen.

Boaters should also be aware of hazards in the water, such as rocks, stumps, and sand bars, usually underwater.

Visit the DNR website for boat launching maps and information about power loading.

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