TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Total streamflow across the
Crow Wing River
was last observed at
1,714
cfs, and is expected to yield approximately
3,400
acre-ft of water today; about 85%
of normal.
Average streamflow for this time of year is
2,013 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 811 cfs.
This is also the highest stage along the Crow Wing River, with a gauge stage of
3.75 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.
| Last Updated | 2024-11-26 |
| Discharge Volume | 3,400 ACRE-FT |
| Streamflow |
1,714.0 cfs
-20.0 cfs (-1.15%) |
| Percent of Normal | 85.15% |
| Maximum |
10,970.0 cfs
2023-04-18 |
| Seasonal Avg | 2,013 cfs |
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 |
464 cfs | 3.54 ft | 6.91 | |||||
|
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
USGS 05247500 |
811 cfs | 3.75 ft | -4.14 |
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.