Kettle River (St. Croix River)

Kayakers on the Kettle River

Map of Kettle River

Low water on the Kettle River

About the St. Croix River, he belongs to the catchment area of the Mississippi River. The river's name is derived from the large number of round holes in the sandstone of the river bed and its surroundings, which are ( English for " boiler " ) called kettle in English and were formed by swirling water. The Indian name of the river is Akiko - ziibi and comes from the Anishinaabe language.

Hydrology

In its course the river water has largely an amber tint. The reason for this is the presence of tannins, whose origin lies in the wetlands of its catchment area and is not caused by human influences.

The discharge flow of the Kettle River changes very quickly when it rains in its catchment area. The watershed has an area of ​​2750 km ². In dry summers the river atrophied to a trickle, the continuous rain is likely to become a raging white water after a few days. Normally, the discharge rate varies from 0.09 to 2.8 m³ / s

In some places the river reaches a considerable depth reaching up to 30 m. The water depth and the generally good water quality provides Annoy a habitat. In 1994, a disturbance of almost 180 cm in length and a weight of about 42.8 kg was caught.

The United States Geological Survey operates since 1967 south of Sandstone a level. The highest discharge rate was recorded on 23 July 1972 490.

Run

The course of the river above the Banning State Park is characterized by a number of smaller rapids whitewater Category I, the water is generally fast flowing. It can be navigated by canoe when the river discharge more than 25 m³ / min. In Banning State Park, the character of the river, which in this area rapids up to category IV changes. With an open canoe the section can easily be traveled at normal water level, is dangerous when the water level is very high but even for experienced kayakers. Under such conditions make steep slopes with overhanging banks rescue efforts very difficult.

Below the park, the river calmed down significantly before it reaches the Big Spring Falls. This arose again in 1995 after a dam was built in 1908 has been removed.

From the falls to the mouth of the St. Croix River to the Kettle River has a slight slope, accompanied the occasional light rapids. These are towards the mouth frequently, but not stronger. In this section of the river is good for canoeing suitable, the absence of human settlements enables fishing and observing wildlife, including bears.

The Kettle River flows 16 km east-northeast of Pine City in the St. Croix River.

Tributaries

Near its headwaters opens a near Wright springing West Branch Kettle River. Other tributaries are Dead Moose River and Split Rock River in Carlton County and Moose Horn River, Willow River, Pine River and Grindstone River in Pine County.