Water levels are high enough after an extremely wet spring to declare high water zones on several other popular lakes. The declarations will go into effect at 1 p.m. on Friday.
RELATED LINK: DNR remind boaters to 'own their wake'
Here are the lakes that will be under high water regulations, which generally mean slow or NO wake when operating a boat or watercraft.
- Lake Minnetonka
- Lake Independence
- Fish Lake
- Long Lake
- Twin Lake
- Crystal Lake
- Medicine Lake
- Silver Lake
- Bone Lake
- St. Croix River (from Taylors Falls to Prescott)
Each lake has its own rules or ordinances during times of high water.
On Lake Minnetonka, perhaps the metro's most heavily-used lake, boats cannot go faster than 5 miles-per-hour or create more than a minimum wake within 600 feet of shore in regulated areas of Lake Minnetonka.
"Regulated areas include the area of the Lake within a distance of 600 feet of any shoreline (similar to the length of two football fields) and all areas of specific bays. Minimum Wake means that the wake trailing behind a watercraft in a widening “V” is insufficient in size to affect other watercraft or be detrimental to the shoreline," according to the news release.
RELATED LINK: Map of lake showing regulations
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol will be out on its lakes monitoring slow or no wake zones, educating boaters and making sure everyone stays safe. The High Water Declaration will remain in effect until Lake Minnetonka water levels measure below 930.00 feet for three consecutive days.
“The lake is open to the public and we encourage boaters to take it slow," said LMCD Board Chair Gregg Thomas. "Reducing speeds and taking extra precautions is necessary to protect the Lake, structures, and all those who enjoy it.”