Voyageur National Park Flooding update

Water levels are dropping. As I write this it looks like Namakan is just a few inches above the IJC all gates open stage, about a foot above the top of the high level of the rule curve; and Rainy is approximately 3.5′ above the IJC all gates open stage. One challenge we currently face on Namakan is the water level is back to the level of the decking on many of our docks, so crews have been busy replacing barrels to hold them down. This is why the “no wake” restriction remains.
As we go into the 4th of July weekend, I wanted to share a few more operational items in the park. This is messaging that has been shared with park staff as well:
The LE crew will be placing hazard markers on Namakan and they should be in place by Friday if conditions cooperate. Markers are not places on Rainy as of yet. Boaters will need to rely on personal knowledge, navigational charts, or GPS graphics to be informed of potential hazards. The best rule of thumb is if you are unfamiliar with the waters – go slow. As waters subside, we will be working on setting our typical aids to navigation that the park is responsible for.
Kettle Falls has opened overnight hotel accommodations, bar, and food service as of today. Villas, fuel sales, boat rentals and sales in the Trading Post are also open. Portage service is still closed.
The “No Wake” order remains in place park wide on areas that are 300′ or closer to the shoreline. This order is to minimize the risk of damage to development along park shorelines and to minimize the potential of increased erosion due to human activity. The park has several docks, and other infrastructure, and we recognize there are several private property developments along the shore dealing with the highwater conditions. Everyone should be mindful of shoreline damage and respectful of property.
Houseboating is allowed throughout the park on both the Rainy and Namakan Basins. All four houseboat companies (Rainy Lake Houseboats and Northernaire on Rainy; and Ebels and Voyagaire on Namakan) are operational. The park is directing houseboat visitors to the operator that they are renting from. We recognize those operators are aware of the area’s renters can be directed to for a positive houseboating experience.
Park staff are also letting visitors know that all resorts and other services provided in our gateway communities are open and operational. We are encouraging visitors to explore availability if they are interested in visiting the area.
Camping on Namakan is open and operational. We have been assessing sites on a case-by-case basis and closing them once facilities (tent pads, core pads, bear lockers, latrines) become impacted by flood waters. You can find the most up to date list of closed campsites here.
The Rainy Lake boat launch at the visitor center is closed because it is overtopped by at least 8″ of water. Camping on Rainy is closed because the launch site is closed, and we do not want to put additional pressure on the few launch sites available on Rainy. We monitor the Rainy launch site regularly and will open once conditions allow.
Backcountry sites on the interior lakes of the Kabetogama Peninsula are closed, as are the hiking trails that access them. These may be opened soon once condition assessment can be made.
Our tour boat operations are canceled until further notice. Park staff are advising visitors that there are commercial operators that can provide tour boat services.
Staff are letting visitors know that, even though we are experiencing record flood waters, safe travel is still possible. It is not the NPS staff’s responsibility to assume an individual’s skill level. We can inform them of the conditions so that they can make informed decisions, but it is up to each person to determine their level of comfort. Overall, if weather conditions are good, there should be no problem with travel through the park for even a relatively new boat operator.
A reminder to park visitors that fireworks are not allowed within the park.