Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth is flowing at 351 cfs with a gage height of 5.79 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05030500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth at a glance
How Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth is flowing at 351 cfs, with the water sitting 5.79 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #05030500 in Minnesota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 327 cfs, peaking at 351 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Minnesota flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth is expected to hold near today's 351 cfs, toward roughly 341 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 220-528 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
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 forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth
The river is fed by various tributaries including the Leaf River and the Bois de Sioux River. The river is also impacted by dams, including the Orwell Dam and the Wilkin Dam. The flow of the river tends to be highest in the spring due to snowmelt and lower in the summer and fall. The hydrology of the river is unique in that it serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including otters, which inspired the river's name.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 351 cfs |
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 454 cfs |
| Red River Of The North At Wahpeton | 578 cfs |
| Bois De Sioux River Near Doran | 74 cfs |
| Antelope Creek At Dwight | 0 cfs |
| Buffalo River Near Hawley | 114 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Fergus Falls 4.9 E | 0 in |
| Breckenridge 4ne | 0 in |
| New York Mills | 0 in |
| Sabin | 0 in |
| Fargo 3s | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth.
Boat launches
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River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth
Where does the streamflow data for Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05030500. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth report
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