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Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cannon River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Cannon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Cannon River is a 112-mile-long tributary of the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. The river was named after Colonel William Cannon, an early settler in the area. It starts in Rice County and flows eastward through Faribault, Northfield, and Cannon Falls before emptying into the Mississippi River near Red Wing. The river is known for its scenic beauty and has several popular recreational activities like kayaking, fishing, and camping. It also provides water for irrigation and agricultural use. The river has four main reservoirs - Shields Lake, Lake Byllesby, Lake Pepin, and Lake Tetonka - and several dams used for hydroelectric power generation. In the past, the river was used for transportation of goods, but today it serves primarily as a source of water for the local community.
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cannon River At Welch
USGS 05355200 |
285 cfs | 3.58 ft | 7.95 |
The Cannon River a tributary of the Mississippi River flows 112 miles (180 km) from Lake Tetonka near Waterville to Red Wing in the U.S. state of Minnesota, where it joins the Mississippi River. It drains a watershed approximately 1460 square miles (3,780 km²) in size. The river flows through the counties of Le Sueur, Rice, Dakota, and Goodhue.
The Cannon River has few rapids, but some can be difficult (Class II). Some have claimed lives, as has the confluence with the Little Cannon River in Cannon Falls. Canoes traversing the river must portage several dams; the low header dams are more dangerous than they appear to novices. Downed trees and logjams are extreme hazards in high water, as are low bridges. The river varies in width from 50 to 200 feet (15 to 60 m).
