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LITTLE COTTONWOOD RIVER

River Levels • Streamflow • Hydrology

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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 Little Cottonwood River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Little Cottonwood River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .

The Little Cottonwood River is a tributary of the Minnesota River and stretches about 47 miles, running from the southwestern part of Blue Earth County to the eastern part of Brown County. Historically, the river was used by Native Americans for transportation and fishing. Today, it is used for a variety of recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing, and camping. It also provides irrigation for agricultural purposes. The river flows through a number of impoundments and reservoirs, including the Harkin's Slough Reservoir, the Swan Lake Reservoir, and the Little Cottonwood River Watershed Dam. These dams help regulate the water flow and are used for flood control purposes. Despite its importance, the Little Cottonwood River has faced challenges such as pollution and erosion. Efforts have been made to address these issues and protect the river for future generations.

January 14, 2025

History of the River

The Little Cottonwood River is a tributary of the Minnesota River, 83 miles (133 km) long, in southwestern Minnesota in the United States. Via the Minnesota River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of 230 square miles (596 km²) in an agricultural region.
The Little Cottonwood River rises south of Jeffers in Amboy Township in Cottonwood County, beginning as a drainage ditch constructed in 1997. In its upper course the stream flows swiftly in a northeastward course and passes rock outcrops, including the Jeffers Petroglyphs. It flows generally east-northeastwardly through Brown County into northwestern Blue Earth County, where it joins the Minnesota River in Cambria Township, approximately seven miles (11 km) southeast of New Ulm. For much of its lower course, it roughly parallels the Cottonwood River to the north at a distance of three to ten miles (5–15 km). The stream's watershed is narrow, with no major tributaries. Land within the watershed consists primarily of till plains; in 1990, 90% of the land was cultivated for agriculture.Common fish in the river include black and yellow bullhead, rock bass, golden redhorse, and various species of darters and shiners.