High water forces Minneapolis lock closures

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, closed its locks at Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock and Dam 1, both in Minneapolis, to recreational traffic today due to high flows.

The Corps closes these locks to recreation traffic once the Mississippi River flows exceed 30,000 cubic feet per second. As of 6 a.m. this morning, the flow was about 35,000 cfs. The current National Weather Service forecast indicates flows above 30,000 cfs through the end of the month, if not early June.

Despite the lock closure, the Lock and Dam 1 visitor center will remain open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily. Additionally, starting tomorrow, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Corps reminds boaters to exercise caution and be vigilant when boating in the area, as Mississippi River currents are high. Submerged logs and other debris below the water’s surface can cause severe damage to water craft and passengers. Always wear a life vest, as events can happen quickly, and observe buoys marking restricted areas.

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