Otter Tail River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Otter Tail River was last observed at 229 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 454 acre-ft of water today; about 33% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 698 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-06-21 when daily discharge volume was observed at 3,480 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls reporting a streamflow rate of 121 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth with a gauge stage of 4.44 ft. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Otter Tail River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,272 ft, the Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth.

It is a part of the Red River watershed and flows into the Red River of the North. The river's name originates from the shape of its delta, which looks like an otter's tail. Historically, the river was used by Native American tribes for fishing and transportation. Today, it is used for agriculture and recreation, with several reservoirs and dams along its length for flood control and power generation. These include the Orwell Dam, Fergus Falls Dam, and Breckenridge Dam. The river is popular for fishing and canoeing, and it is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.