*Update 10.19.2020: Dam discharge is at 0 cfs and flows at Hiawatha are measuring 21 cfs currently. The dam has been closed per the operating plan, when Lake Minnetonka falls below 928.60 ft. Creek flow rates will continue to subside without additional precipitation. Creek flow rates below 75 cfs are considered poor paddling conditions. There are a number of downed trees in the creek please refer to the obstacles section below.
***Active Construction (5/12/2020): The week of May 11-15, 2020, construction crews will be working on the Southwest LRT bridge over Minnehaha Creek east of Cottageville Park in Hopkins, and will intermittently hold paddlers for safety reasons at Cottageville Park, during periods of construction. Please be on the look out for the spotter located at Lake St. and Cottageville Park.
Paddling Minnehaha Creek
Minnehaha Creek flows 22 miles from Lake Minnetonka to
Minnehaha Falls, winding through tranquil woodlands, expansive wetlands, dense
urban landscapes, neighborhoods and scenic park land. Under the right
conditions it affords paddlers a beautiful adventure through an urban
wilderness.
Below is a variety of information on how to
safely enjoy this iconic resource. MCWD provides this information but does not
regulate recreation on the creek. These activities are undertaken at the users’
own risk.
What are the best
conditions to paddle Minnehaha Creek?
Ideal creek flows for paddling are between 75 and 150 cubic
feet per second (cfs). We do not recommend paddling when the creek's flow is
higher than 150 cfs. Conditions can change rapidly, especially after rainfall. View
the Minnehaha Creek's flow level at Hiawatha Ave here. We recommend using the flow at Hiawatha Ave to gauge how fast the creek is flowing in the lower half of the creek, and the Gray's Bay Dam discharge to gauge how fast the creek is flowing in the upper half of the creek.
| FLOW | CREEK CONDITION |
|---|
| Less than 75 cfs | Poor |
| 75 cfs - 150 cfs | Good |
| Greater than 150 cfs | Dangerous |
Please note that creek flow is different from dam discharge, as water runs into the creek from different sources like runoff, storm sewers, wetlands, etc throughout the length of the creek which impacts the flow.
Graph of real-time creek flow from USGS:
Is it safe?
When
the current is too fast, there is a higher chance of tipping the canoe or
sustaining an injury. When it is too slow, you may find yourself doing a lot of
portaging and hiking through the water! Consider the experience levels and
abilities of those in your party and plan accordingly; use common sense and
exercise caution. Watch for downed trees or other fallen objects that present
navigational hazards
