CROW WING RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-21
Discharge Volume 3,622 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 1,826.0 cfs
+276.0 cfs (+17.81%)
Percent of Normal 90.38%
Maximum 10,970.0 cfs
2023-04-18
Seasonal Avg 2,020 cfs

Total streamflow across the Crow Wing River was last observed at 1,826 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 3,622 acre-ft of water today; about 90% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,020 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-04-18 when daily discharge volume was observed at 10,970 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Crow Wing River Near Pillager reporting a streamflow rate of 1,460 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Crow Wing River, with a gauge stage of 4.24 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Crow Wing River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,326 ft, the Crow Wing River At Nimrod.

The Crow Wing River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, located in central Minnesota. It spans approximately 113 miles and has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century when it was used by Native Americans for transportation and trade. Today, the river is home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Gull River Dam, the Pillager Dam, and the Motley Dam. These structures play a critical role in regulating the river's flow and providing hydroelectric power to nearby communities. Additionally, the Crow Wing River is a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. It also supports agricultural use, providing water for irrigation and livestock. Overall, the Crow Wing River is a vital resource for both human and environmental needs in the region.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Crow Wing River At Nimrod
USGS 05244000
366 cfs 2.9 ft 1.67
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
USGS 05247500
1460 cfs 4.24 ft 22.69
History of the River

The Crow Wing River is a 113-mile-long (182 km) tributary of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, United States. The river rises at an elevation of about 1391 feet in a chain of 11 lakes in southern Hubbard County, Minnesota, and flows generally south, then east, entering the Mississippi at Crow Wing State Park northwest of Little Falls, Minnesota. Its name is a loose translation from the Ojibwe language Gaagaagiwigwani-ziibi ("Raven-feather River"). A wing-shaped island at its mouth accounts for the river's name. Because of its many campsites and its undeveloped shores, the Crow Wing River is considered one of the state's best "wilderness" routes for canoeists; although it is shallow (seldom more than 3 feet (0.91 m) deep), it is nearly always deep enough for canoeing.

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Watershed River Levels

366

Cubic Feet Per Second

64

Cubic Feet Per Second

327

Cubic Feet Per Second

1460

Cubic Feet Per Second