St. Croix River to Crest this Week, No-Wake Zone Remains for Fourth of July

The St. Croix River is expected to crest at 684.5 feet just days before the Fourth of July.
That means a no-wake restriction on the St. Croix River will remain in place throughout the holiday. A no-wake zone is enforced when the St. Croix River levels reach 683 feet.
As of noon on Monday, July 1 the river level was 684.15 feet in Stillwater, according to the National Weather Service, and is expected to crest Tuesday at 684.4 feet.
According to the NOAA's river level predictions, the St. Croix is not expected to drop below 683 feet until Sunday, July 7.
At 684 feet, the river reaches the second tier at Lakefront Park. 

Safety Reminder from the Minnesota DNR

Water levels in lakes and rivers around Minnesota are expected to remain high during the Fourth of July holiday, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging boaters to slow down and use caution.

A no-wake zone is in effect on the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls to Prescott, Wis. 

“People should always wear their lifejackets every time they step on a boat and especially during high water,” said Kara Owens, DNR boating safety specialist. “High water levels mean a fast and strong moving current, which many boat operators are not used to. That can create dangerous situations.”

There is a lot of debris floating down the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers so that adds another element of danger. 

“Debris will often float just at or below the surface,” Owens said. “Hitting a log at high speed could result in anything from a broken propeller to a ruined lower unit -- or worse, serious injuries to those who wanted to enjoy a day on the water.”

Boaters must always be aware of their surroundings. Fast river currents are more unforgiving and boaters have less of a time to react to a problem, she added.

The swift current also makes it more difficult for even an experienced swimmer to swim or stay afloat if their boat or canoe capsized.

Anyone heading out on the water should let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return from their trip.

During periods of high water on lakes and rivers, boaters also need to slow down and make sure their wakes are small.

A large wake could not only disrupt other boaters and swimmers, but also cause erosion along the shoreline. It can create safety concerns, damage to boats and other problems from deadheads and snags, shoreline property loss, reduced water quality and damage to fish and wildlife habitat.

• More information on boating safety

About the Water Levels

The average water level in Hudson is 675 feet. The following are elevations (in feet) of various areas in Hudson that are prone to flooding, according to the city's flood work plan:

• Seawall at Lakefront Park: 680
• Second tier at Lakefront Park: 684
• Lowest elevation of Front Street: 684.9
• First Street (between Buckeye Street and Commercial Street): 685.8
• Floor of Buckeye Street Garage: 686.75
• Top of Lake Mallalieu dam gates: 688.3
• Slab elevation at Lakefront Park bathhouse: 690
• Top of Dike Road: 691
• Abandoned railroad bed north of Vine Street to St. Croix Street: 692

The highest flood elevations (in feet) in Hudson history (as measured at Stillwater, MN) are the following, according to the National Weather Service:

1. 694.1 on April 14, 1965
2. 692.3 on April 27, 2001
3. 692.2 on April 16,1969
4. 691.1 on April 16, 2001
5. 690.45 on April 12, 1997
6. 689.7 on April 14, 1952
7. 687.9 on June 28, 1993
8. 687.5 on April 6, 1986
9. 687.3 on April 30, 1975