Unpredictable changes in water levels are occurring on the Upper Mississippi River pools this week due to ice in the Lock and Dam gates at Locks 7, 9 and 10. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to remove the ice frozen on the gates, but water levels could drop as much as 4 feet.
Access to ice fishing areas has become dangerous with ice ledges along the shorelines. The ice may look safe, but air pockets can form when water levels drop rapidly leaving open water.
Water levels will stay unpredictable until the gates are working properly again.
For more information, contact the Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Public Affairs office at 651-290-3086.