Corps sets date for first Lake Pepin ice surveys of the year

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, will start its annual Lake Pepin ice measurements Feb. 12.

What has become one of the first signs of spring, the Corps takes ice measurements on Lake Pepin annually to forecast the navigational outlook. The Lake Pepin ice thickness is measured because it’s the widest, naturally-occurring part of the Mississippi River. Located between the Minnesota cities of Red Wing and Wabasha, the lake’s ice is the last major barrier for vessels reaching the head of the navigation channel in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A Corps survey crew uses an airboat and a global positioning system to collect the data. The information is used by the navigation industry to predict when it’s safe to break through the ice and begin the 2020 navigation season.

The Motor Vessel Aaron F. Barrett was the first tow to pass through Lake Pepin last year and reach St. Paul, Minnesota. She arrived April 24, 2019. Historically the average date in which navigation is open occurs during the third week of March.

Ice measurements are typically completed weekly until the first tow arrives. Ice measurements are posted on the St. Paul District website at: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Ice-Measurements/.

I will be curious to see what ice depths are without any real lengthy cold snaps and the increased flow all fall and winter slowing ice growth. My guess is they will measure just below average at most mile markers.

Water levels on Pepin and throughout Pool 4 have dropped very slowly but steadily in the past 2 weeks. The past weekend’s shot of heat did a number on the snow pack in the area but was short enough in duration to not cause tributaries to jump much. We need quite a few more “mini-thaws” like that to knock down snow. As long as next week’s major storm systems stay south of the region, the flood outlook could (fingers crossed) be a bit more favorable for Pool 4.

Agreed, last year seemed to go from flooding to unbearable traffic conditions overnight.

buckybadger wrote:

. As long as next week’s major storm systems stay south of the region

Are you seeing some storms coming that may affect the upper midwest? I do the accuweather thing and it’s not very reliable forecasting out. Thanks.

riverruns wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>buckybadger wrote:</div>
. As long as next week’s major storm systems stay south of the region

Are you seeing some storms coming that may affect the upper midwest? I do the accuweather thing and it’s not very reliable forecasting out. Thanks.

I don’t think anything is overly accurate outside of 48 hours. I’m kind of a weather nerd so I like to keep an eye on the 10-day European models along with some of the NOAA discussions. It’s still often a crapshoot.

Thanks. If you see some bad weather coming, dont be afraid to post your weather nerd observations.

Us with too much vacation can plan ahead not to work and take the day off.

I with Bucky, we are right at the tipping point where this spring/summer could go either way. Fingers crossed.

Agreed.

Maybe they’ll have to ban all the tuna boats if there’s high water. Heh, heh.

Sorry, BK. Couldn’t resist.

You know, the weather was nice last weekend. Lot’s of fishing boats out. I didn’t see one of them observing the Red Wing No Wake Zone. People say that fishing boats don’t make a wake. I’ll tell you what, while I was pouring my bourbon, it was enough to make me abuse some on the counter!

Then there’s the ones that think plowing along is kinda like following half the law!

Please if you’re going to blow the no wake zone, do it wide open!

And yes, I’m ashamed of some of my fellow fishermen.

On the other hand, I’ve been watching videos of people making the Great Loop. It’s 6000 miles from FL to NY to Chicago and back down to the golf.
All of these guys, gals and families slow down for other boats. Fishing boats or otherwise. And they get just as ticked off when a larger boat wakes them as a fishing boat does when they get waked.

What struck me as odd is that through private messaging or other means, the folks that have completed the loop say the Mississippi River is the worst for people not paying attention to their wake. Fishing boats included. I would of bet that the big boats of the Intercoastal Waterway would of had more of a problem with this.

I believe your spot on BK. It seems fishing boats are as bad/worse than pleasure craft. Frustrating when they plow by way to close when there is plenty of room but it gets down right dangerous when a guy is fighting fish next to riprap. Almost makes me want to hold up a single digit to let them know I think they are number one.