EAU CLAIRE, Wisconsin (April 6, 2020) – Due to high river flows, the boat restraining barriers upstream of the company’s hydro plants in St. Croix Falls and Jim Falls are not in place at this time. While the boat barrier upstream of the main spillway at the Jim Falls Dam remains in place, the barrier upstream of the Jim Falls powerhouse intake has failed.

Boaters and fisherman are urged to stay away from both dams due to high river flows, debris in the water and unprotected spillway and powerhouse intakes. Power is being generated in the powerhouse and excess water is being discharged through the spillway section.

“Boating, canoeing or kayaking near the dams is not recommended until the river recedes and we can safely reinstall the boat barriers,” said Randy Volbrecht, manager, Hydro Operations at Xcel Energy. “The boat barriers assist in keeping boaters away from the powerhouse intakes and spillway sections.”

Xcel Energy offers these tips for personal safety near all of the company dams:

  • Avoid using the river during times of flooding.
  • Obey all warning signs, barriers and flashing lights, horns and sirens.
  • Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) – a life jacket.
  • Always stay outside buoy lines and away from restricted areas near dams.
  • Never swim or wade near a dam.
  • Never boat or fish alone when near a dam.
  • Leave your boat motor running to provide maneuvering power.
  • Stay clear of spillways. Changing currents and “boiling” waves can make boat control difficult near dams.
  • Reverse currents occur below dams. They can pull a boat back toward the dam into the spillway and capsize it.
  • Never anchor boats below a dam because water levels can change rapidly.
  • Bring a cell phone and contact 9-1-1 in an emergency.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.