No wakes allowed on the lower St. Croix due to high water

Boating rules in effect after rainfall raises the river level.

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The St. Croix River rose above 683′ above sea level on Monday morning, which means boaters must keep speeds minimal and not produce significant wakes.

“Slow no-wake speed means the slowest possible speed to maintain steerage, but no greater than 5 mph,” the DNR says.

Violating wake rules can result in a citation from law enforcement.

Rain last weekend pushed the river up, just as it was starting to come down from spring runoff.

Currently the river is predicted to exceed 687’ by this weekend, which is minor flood stage. But there is a low chance it will go much higher, according to the National Weather Service.

“Once the river levels drop below 683.0 feet, the restrictions are lifted, but boaters are cautioned that there continues to be hazards and shoreline erosion potential,” the DNR says.