Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Blue Earth River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Blue Earth River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Blue Earth River is a tributary of the Minnesota River, located in southern Minnesota in the United States. It stretches for 108 miles and flows through the agricultural region of the state. The river has a rich history, as it was an important transportation route for Native Americans and early settlers. The hydrology of the river has been impacted by numerous dams and reservoirs, including the Rapidan Dam and Reservoir, which provide flood control and recreational opportunities. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, such as irrigation and livestock watering. Recreational activities include fishing, boating, and camping, with several public access points and parks located along the river's course. Despite the impact of human activities, the Blue Earth River remains an ecologically important system supporting a diverse array of fish and wildlife.
Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Earth River Near Rapidan
USGS 05320000 |
1190 cfs | 9.03 ft | -9.16 |
The Blue Earth River (Dakota: Makhátho Wakpá) is a tributary of the Minnesota River, 108 miles (174 km) long, in southern Minnesota in the United States. Two of its headwaters tributaries, the Middle Branch Blue Earth River and the West Branch Blue Earth River, also flow for short distances in northern Iowa. By volume, it is the Minnesota River's largest tributary, accounting for 46% of the Minnesota's flow at the rivers' confluence in Mankato. Via the Minnesota River, the Blue Earth River is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of 3,486 square miles (9,029 km²) in an agricultural region. Ninety percent of the river's watershed is in Minnesota. It is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated Water Trail.