KINNICKINNIC RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 9, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Kinnickinnic River was last observed at 105 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 208 acre-ft of water today; about 74% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 142 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-09-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at 4,943 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kinnickinnic River Near River Falls reporting a streamflow rate of 105 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Kinnickinnic River, with a gauge stage of 8.02 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Kinnickinnic River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 703 ft, the Kinnickinnic River Near River Falls.

The Kinnickinnic River, also known as the Kinni, is a 22-mile-long river that runs through western Wisconsin, starting in St. Croix County and flowing into the St. Croix River near River Falls. The river is known for its crystal-clear water, which is the result of the local limestone geology. The river has a rich history, with the Ojibwe people using it for travel and fishing before European settlement. Hydrologically, the river is fed by several tributaries, including the Rush River, and is dammed at the confluence of the South and North Forks. There are several dams along the river, including the Mill Pond Dam and the Powell Falls Dam. The river is a popular destination for recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The surrounding agricultural land is used for farming and raising livestock.

Last Updated 2024-04-11
Discharge Volume 208 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 105.0 cfs
None cfs (None%)
Percent of Normal 74.04%
Maximum 4,943.0 cfs
2019-09-13
Seasonal Avg 142 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kinnickinnic River Near River Falls
USGS 05342000
105 cfs 8.02 ft -14.63
Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee
USGS 04087159
14 cfs 5.99 ft -14.55
History of the River

The Kinnickinnic River is one of three primary rivers that flows into the harbor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Lake Michigan, along with the Menomonee River and Milwaukee River. It is locally called the "KK River".Kinnickinnic is an Ojibwe word which literally means "what is mixed", referring to the mixing of indigenous plants and tobaccos. Often called Milwaukee's forgotten river, it is the smallest within the Milwaukee River Basin, yet is the most urbanized and densely populated, as it winds through the Lincoln Village neighborhood, and the heavily industrialized Inner Harbor.

       

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