High flows force closure of Minneapolis locks for recreational traffic

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

The closure is a result of Mississippi River flows exceeding 30,000 cubic feet per second. Locks will remain open to commercial vessels. The river flow is expected to be above 30,000 cfs for the next three or four days. Recreational lockages will resume as soon as safety permits once the flows are below the limit.

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.  

-30-