Kettle River (St. Croix River)

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Kettle River
Kayakers on the Kettle River

Kayakers on the Kettle River

Data
Water code US :  646128
location Minnesota (USA)
River system Mississippi River
Drain over St. Croix River  → Mississippi River  → Gulf of Mexico
source in Carlton County
46 ° 41 ′ 14 "  N , 92 ° 47 ′ 17"  W.
muzzle in the St. Croix River coordinates: 45 ° 51 ′ 28 "  N , 92 ° 44 ′ 11"  W 45 ° 51 ′ 28 "  N , 92 ° 44 ′ 11"  W.

length 130 km
Catchment area 2750 km²
Map of the Kettle River

Map of the Kettle River

Low tide on the Kettle River

Low tide on the Kettle River

The Kettle River is an approximately 130 km long tributary of the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota in the United States .

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

Hydrology

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

The flow rate of the Kettle River changes very quickly when it rains in its catchment area. The catchment area has an area of ​​about 2750 km². In dry summers, the river withers into a trickle, which after a few days of continuous rain can easily turn into torrential whitewater. The flow rate usually fluctuates between 0.09 and 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 offer sturgeons a habitat. In 1994 a sturgeon almost 180 cm long and weighing about 42.8 kg was caught.

The United States Geological Survey has operated a gauge south of Sandstone since 1967 . The highest flow rate was recorded on July 23, 1972 with 490.

Run

The course of the river above Banning State Park is characterized by a few smaller rapids of white water category I. The water is generally fast flowing. It can be used by canoes if the flow rate is more than 25 m³ / min. In Banning State Park, the character of the river changes, with rapids up to Category IV in this area. The section is easy to navigate in an open canoe when the water level is normal, but becomes dangerous even for experienced kayakers when the water level is very high. In such conditions, steep slopes with overhanging banks make rescue attempts very difficult.

Below the park, the river calms down significantly before reaching Big Spring Falls. These were rebuilt in 1995 after a dam built in 1908 was removed.

From the falls to its confluence with the St. Croix River, the Kettle River has a gentle slope that accompanies the occasional gentle rapids. These become more frequent towards the mouth, but not stronger. In this section, the river is well suited for canoeists and the absence of human settlements allows for fishing and wildlife viewing, including bears.

The Kettle River flows into the St. Croix River 10 miles east-northeast of Pine City .

Tributaries

Near its headwaters near empties Wright springing West Branch Kettle River one. Other tributaries include the Dead Moose River and Split Rock River in Carlton County and the Moose Horn River , Willow River , Pine River, and Grindstone River in Pine County.

literature

  • Thomas F. Waters: The Streams and Rivers of Minnesota . University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis 1977, ISBN 0-8166-0960-8 .
  • Greg Breinin: Paddling Minnesota . 2005, ISBN 1-56044-690-0

Web links