BRULE RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-21
Discharge Volume 1,815 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 915.0 cfs
-97.0 cfs (-9.58%)
Percent of Normal 94.96%
Maximum 13,660.0 cfs
2023-04-16
Seasonal Avg 964 cfs

Total streamflow across the Brule River was last observed at 915 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,815 acre-ft of water today; about 95% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 964 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-04-16 when daily discharge volume was observed at 13,660 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Brule River Near Commonwealth reporting a streamflow rate of 595 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Brule River, with a gauge stage of 7.16 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Brule River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,241 ft, the Brule River At Us Highway 2 Near Florence.

The Brule River is a 44-mile-long river located in northern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota. The river has a rich history, having been used for transportation and trade by Native American tribes and early European explorers. The river's hydrology is diverse, ranging from calm, slow-moving stretches to Class III and IV rapids. The river is home to two significant reservoirs, the St. Louis River Reservoir and the Lake Superior Reservoir, both of which are used for hydroelectric power generation. Recreationally, the Brule River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The river is also an important source of water for agriculture, providing irrigation for crops in the surrounding areas. Overall, the Brule River is a vital natural resource for both the environment and the communities that depend on it.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Brule River At Us Highway 2 Near Florence
USGS 04060993
320 cfs 3.81 ft -1.23
Brule River Near Commonwealth
USGS 04062011
595 cfs 7.16 ft -13.52
History of the River

The Brule River is a 52.3-mile-long (84.2 km) river in the U.S. states of Michigan and Wisconsin. Nearly the entire course forms a portion of the boundary between the two states.
The Brule begins at Brule Lake, just inside the Michigan border, at 46°02′23″N 88°50′59″W. It winds east and southeast until joining with the Michigamme River at 45°57′12″N 88°11′46″W to form the Menominee River and on into Lake Michigan.
The Brule River is stocked with many types of trout. These include Brook, and Brown troutThe Brule is popular for canoeing, spanning about 45 miles (72 km) with several stop/start points somewhat evenly spread out. The Brule's flow is much more reliable than many other surrounding rivers, due to its "untouched" quality. There is only one dam on the river that affects the water level, but that is located on Brule Island near the end of the Brule just below the Paint River.
Much of the land on both sides of the river is publicly owned with several good campsites available. Fishing is exceptional, with brook and brown trout in the upper areas and tributaries. Smallmouth bass and northern pike can be found in abundance in the lower sections.

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Watershed River Levels

216

Cubic Feet Per Second

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Cubic Feet Per Second

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Cubic Feet Per Second