DNR urges caution on Minnesota rivers

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DNR urges caution on Minnesota rivers
(Released July 1, 2010)


Boaters and anglers heading out over the Fourth of July weekend may encounter high water, high current and potentially hazardous debris on a number of rivers throughout the state, according the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The rivers include the Mississippi, Minnesota, Lower St. Croix and the Red near Hallock.


“With recent heavy rainfall in some areas of the state, high water has inundated river banks on some rivers, resulting in hazardous debris in the water,” said Tim Smalley, DNR water safety specialist. “Both natural and man-made objects have been swept into the rivers.”
Debris often floats just at or below the surface of the water, which means boaters may not be able to see the obstruction until it is too late.
“Current is another threat,” Smalley added. “There is a lot of water flowing through many river systems now. This increases both the speed of the river and strength of the current, which makes it more difficult for even an experienced swimmer to stay afloat. This means it is important to wear your life jacket at all times, now and throughout the year.”

Smalley suggest boaters let others know where they are going and when they expect to return, and to exercise extreme caution when swimming in any sort of current.

Also, boaters should be aware of the wake their boat creates and the effect it may have on the shoreline, docks or other boats.
River level reports are updated weekly from April through October, and are available on the DNR’s website at www.mndnr.gov/river_levels/index.html.

The reports are based on automated river level gauges and gauge readings recorded by volunteers. The DNR cautioned boaters that river levels could change dramatically over a short period of time due to inclement weather conditions.
Information on the state’s 30 water trails, water trail maps and outfitters, is available on the DNR’s website at www.mndnr.gov/canoeing/index.html.