ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Army Corps of engineers, which operates dams in the Mississippi River headwaters, is micro-adjusting outflows to balance recreational and other demands for water.
> Gull Lake. Near Brainerd. Currently at 1,193.7 feet elevation and outflow is at 20 cubic feet per second. When the pool reaches 1,192.75, the outflow will be reduced to 10.
> Cross Lake. Near Crosslake. Currently at 1,229.06 feet and outflow at 30 cfs. When the pool reaches 1,225.32 feet, the outflow will be reduced to 15.
> Big Sandy Lake, Near McGregor, Currently at 1,215.93 feet and outflow is at 20 cfs. When the pool reaches 1,214.31, feet the outflow will be reduced to 10.
> Pokegama Lake. Near Grand Rapids. Currently at 1,273.23 feet and outflow is at 240 cfs. Minimum outflow at Pokegama is the total flow being released from Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake.
> Leech Lake. Near Federal Dam. Currently at 1,294.15 feet and outflow is at 120 cfs. When the pool reaches 1,292.7 feet, the outflow will be reduced to 60.
>Lake Winnibigoshish. Near Deer River. Currently at 1,297.65 feet and outflow is 100 cfs. When the pool reaches 1,294.94 feet, the outflow will be reduced to 50.
Caution to boaters
The Army Corps of Engineers urged urges boaters to go slow and use caution in lower-than-normal lakes right now. Warm weather and a lack of precipitation has left water levels low. Underwater obstructions are nearer surfaces. Also: More floating logs may show up than usual. Docks, boat lifts and boat ramps may need to be moved or lifted.