Notice from the City of Chanhassen :
The Chanhassen City Engineer lifted the slow-no-wake restriction at Lake Minnewashta as of 2PM July 7th.
In case there is any confusion, the LMPA’s has no authority in the imposition or lifting of Slow-No Wake declarations. Our role is to communicate in a timely fashion to as many stakeholders as we can. We use emails, this website and Facebook page to do so. Since 2020, the City of Chanhassen has the responsibility to administer the imposition and lifting of slow-no wake declarations. Here is a LINK to the the City of Chanhassen Municipal Code. Section 6-49 is the applicable section. The ordinary high water level (OHWL) is 944.5′ above sea level. The slow-no wake trigger is 945′, which is above the OHWL, but below FEMA’s100 year flood level which is 945.9′.
The purpose of the No Wake trigger is to protect the lake’s shoreline and water quality while balancing it with residents interests with recreational use of the lake. This prevents property damage, ensures public safety, and protects shoreline areas vital to a healthy lake. Most intact and natural shoreline can hold their own against high water levels, waves and winter ice. But many of our lake shorelines are no longer natural. They consist of grass to the water’s edge or rip rap. Grass has little roots to hold soil in place, and rip rap has potential to fail, both which lead to erosion of soil along the shoreline, loss of property, and sediment pollution in the lake. Preventing waves during high water levels greatly reduces shoreline erosion and preserves the water quality and wildlife enjoyed by communities.
