Otter Tail River

Streamflow Hydrology Weather


Otter Tail River Levels

April 25 2024

1,466 ACRE-FT

Discharge Volume Today
0.0 cfs (0.0%) since yesterday
49.61% of normal Very Low

Total streamflow across the Otter Tail River was last observed at 739 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,466 acre-ft of water today; about 50% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,490 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 440 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth with a gauge stage of 5.48 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.

Last Updated 2024-04-25
Streamflow 739.0 cfs
Percent of Normal 49.61%
Maximum 3,480.0 cfs
2014-06-21

About the otter tail river


The Otter Tail River is a 192-mile-long river located in northwest Minnesota. 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.

Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth
USGS 05030500
299 cfs 5.48 ft 0
Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls
USGS 05046000
440 cfs 2.92 ft 0

Peak Annual Discharge

Otter Tail River Maximum Total Discharge

Seasonal Comparison

Otter Tail River Year Over Year Discharge


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