Pepin measurements begin soon

Here’s a sign of spring - the Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to begin checking the depth of the ice covering Lake Pepin.

The measurements are used to help determine when the Upper Mississippi River shipping season can begin. The Corps is planning to take its first measurement February 26th. Last year’s opener was later than average. A tow made its way through the lake and to St. Paul on April 8th, officially opening the 2013 navigation season. The average opener the last 10 years has been March 24th. The Corps says the earliest the season will open this year is March 15th because of ongoing work at one of the locks. Thicker-than-normal ice could push the date back even more.