2026-05-07T08:00:00-06:00
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 23 possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, and northeast Colorado. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Little Cottonwood River
Last Updated: May 4, 2026
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.
15-Day Long Term Forecast
River Streamflow Levels
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland
USGS 05317200 |
151 cfs | 4.16 ft | -6.21 |
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile
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.
Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area
Kinney Lake SWA
Hugo SWA Ponds
Karval Reservoir
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