From: City of Chanhassen and Carver County Sheriff’s Office
Over the weekend, we received multiple reports of boaters disregarding the No-Wake ordinance on Lake Minnewashta and requests for enforcement. Due to recent substantial rainfall, Lake Minnewashta is under slow-no-wake restrictions. The lake’s water level has exceeded the regulatory elevation of 945 feet and must remain below this level for three consecutive days before the restrictions can be lifted. This morning, the lake’s elevation was 945.2 feet, and it needs to drop below 945.0 feet for three consecutive days to lift the restriction. Given the current drop rate of 0.03 to 0.05 feet per day and the rainy forecast, the high water levels may persist for a couple more weeks.
Unfortunately, the County’s Recreation Services patrol was unavailable this weekend, and there was some confusion with erroneous information suggesting that the CCSO was patrolling Lake Minnetonka, which they do not.
Here’s what we are doing to address the situation and ensure enforcement:
– The Recreation Services patrol deputy is scheduled to work on July 3 and throughout this week. Barring emergencies and adverse weather, there will be active patrol on Lake Minnewashta.
– We have also requested the presence of the DNR.
Here’s how residents can help:
- To report violations of the no-wake ordinance, call the non-emergency number: 952-361-1231. (Continue to call 911 for life safety issues.)
- If possible, take a video documenting the activity, showing the watercraft’s registration number, and clearly identifying the driver.
- Dispatch will have a deputy contact you as soon as possible, and they will provide you with an email to send the video to.
- Deputies will use their resources to contact the watercraft owner.
- Please note that reports cannot be made anonymously, and you may be asked to testify in court.
Please know that we are concerned about this issue. This is a very busy weekend in Chanhassen for both city staff and the CCSO. We appreciate your patience as we try to balance all public safety needs.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain safety on Lake Minnewashta.
Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
PH. 952.227.1119
FX. 952.227.1110
