Upper Cedar

Watershed Hydrology

The Upper Cedar Watershed, located in southeastern Minnesota, covers an area of approximately 1,154 square miles. Hydrology in the watershed is primarily influenced by precipitation and snowmelt, with the Cedar River being the main surface water feature. The snowpack in the watershed varies depending on elevation, with higher elevations typically having deeper and longer-lasting snowpacks. The watershed is also home to several reservoirs, including the Lake Hendricks and Lake Louise reservoirs, which are used for flood control and recreation. Interesting climatic facts in the watershed include a record high temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit and a record low temperature of -47 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent trends in the watershed include increased flooding due to heavy precipitation events, as well as efforts to improve water quality through conservation practices and restoration projects.


Surface Flows

Upper Cedar Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Upper Cedar Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Upper Cedar Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Upper Cedar Watershed

Upper Cedar Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed