Long Prairie

Watershed Hydrology

The Long Prairie watershed covers an area of approximately 1,270 square miles in central Minnesota. It is a part of the larger Upper Mississippi River Basin and is drained by the Sauk River, which eventually flows into the Mississippi River. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by diverse natural habitats including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The snowpack in the region is typically high, with an average of 50-60 inches of snowfall per year. The surface water in the watershed is primarily used for agriculture, with a number of reservoirs and wetlands serving as vital sources for irrigation. The watershed is also home to a number of interesting climatic facts and trends, including frequent droughts and flooding events, as well as a significant increase in average temperature over the past few decades. Overall, the Long Prairie watershed is an important ecological and agricultural resource for the region, providing critical habitat for wildlife and supporting a range of economic activities.


Surface Flows

Long Prairie Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Long Prairie Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Long Prairie Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Long Prairie Watershed

Long Prairie Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed