St. Croix River Rising, 'No-Wake Zone' Expected In Stillwater

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Following several significant downpours this week, the St. Croix River in Stillwater is predicted to exceed 683 feet late afternoon Saturday, Oct. 7, which will enact a "no-wake zone" from Taylors Falls to the Mississippi River in Prescott, WI. The river is expected to crest at 684.5 feet Tuesday, Oct. 10.

During this time period, boaters are required to operate their watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, and in no case greater than 5 mph. The no wake zone is designed to protect boaters from flood hazards including floating debris and river currents. The zone also helps minimize damage to shorelines, levees, and islands which are more vulnerable to damage from wakes during high water events.

The St. Croix River level predictions may change due after rainfall and extend the no wake period. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Photo credit: AP Photo/Bob Delong