Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa boat launch
Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
One such ramp is the Ottumwa Marina Boat Ramp, located at 300 Beach Rd, Ottumwa, IA 52501. This ramp provides access to the Des Moines River, and according to the Ottumwa Parks and Recreation website, it can accommodate boats up to 24 feet in length. The ramp is reportedly 24 feet wide and has a paved approach.
Another option is the Chillicothe Access Boat Ramp, located at 14080 110th St, Ottumwa, IA 52501. This ramp provides access to the Des Moines River as well and can accommodate boats of various sizes. The Iowa DNR website lists this ramp as having a paved surface and a width of 20 feet.
It is important to note that boaters should always check the latest information and regulations regarding boat ramps and water access points before launching their watercraft. Local government and recreation websites, as well as resources like the Iowa DNR, can provide up-to-date information on available boat ramps, their capacities, and any restrictions or regulations that boaters should be aware of.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 7,510 cfs | → |
| Fox River At Bloomfield | 7 cfs | → |
| North Skunk River Near Sigourney | 336 cfs | → |
| South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa | 1,280 cfs | → |
| Chariton River Near Rathbun | 19 cfs | → |
| Chariton River Near Moulton | 58 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa.