The St. Paul District cancels its annual ice surveys this year

The annual Lake Pepin ice surveys are canceled this year due to unusually warmer weather conditions within the region, resulting is less ice than normal. The locks remain closed; however, due to winter maintenance, currently scheduled to be complete no later than March 15. If conditions change, district staff will reevaluate the need based on conditions and in coordination with the navigation industry.

Final measurements for the 2023 ice surveys were taken March 6, 2023.

Measurements from March 6, 2023

Composite 12-Year measurements from 2012-2023

Map: Lake Pepin ice survey locations (PDF)

Lake Pepin ice thickness measurements typically start in mid-February and are conducted on a weekly basis. Measurements are reported from each mile on the Upper Mississippi River between mile 765 and 786. These measurements are taken at the points indicated on the map and the ice thickness is valid for that location only.