Mississippi River Locks & Dams Closed In Saint Paul, Twin Cities Area

Recent heavy rains have prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close its three Twin Cities locks and dams to recreational boaters Wednesday because of fast-moving currents on the Mississippi River. St. Paul district officials announced today they expect water flow to measure at more than 30,000 cubic feet per second by mid-week, meaning water could be moving more than the length of a football field every two minutes. The locks include Upper and Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock and Dam No. 1. They will reopen as soon as the currents drop. Heavy rains caused the high water flows, which will likely remain above normal for the next two weeks. Commercial navigation is unaffected by the restrictions.