TURKEY RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 25, 2024
43.38, -92.34


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Turkey River was last observed at 620 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,230 acre-ft of water today; about 31% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,969 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-08-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at 67,780 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Turkey River Above French Hollow Cr At Elkader reporting a streamflow rate of 499 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Turkey River At Garber with a gauge stage of 6.34 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Turkey River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,067 ft, the Turkey River At Spillville.

The Turkey River is a 180-mile-long river located in northeastern Iowa. It was named after the wild turkeys that roamed the area. The river has played an important role in the area's history, serving as a transportation route for Native Americans and early settlers. The river's hydrology has been impacted by agricultural practices, causing increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution. Several reservoirs and dams have been constructed on the river, including the Martelle Dam and Backbone Lake. These provide recreational opportunities for fishing and boating. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, with many farms located along its banks. Despite these uses, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the river's natural ecosystem, including riparian buffer zones and wetland restoration projects.

Last Updated 2024-12-13
Discharge Volume 1,230 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 620.0 cfs
-472.0 cfs (-43.22%)
Percent of Normal 31.49%
Maximum 67,780.0 cfs
2021-08-29
Seasonal Avg 1,969 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Turkey River At Spillville
USGS 05411600
159 cfs 2.52 ft 52.88
Turkey River Near Eldorado
USGS 05411850
141 cfs 5.45 ft 12.8
Turkey River Above French Hollow Cr At Elkader
USGS 05412020
499 cfs 5.26 ft 105.35
Turkey River At Garber
USGS 05412500
461 cfs 6.34 ft 26.65
History of the River

Turkey River is an unincorporated community in Clayton County, Iowa, United States. The community of Turkey River borders the Mississippi River, and the Turkey River. Turkey River also is on Iowa's border with Wisconsin.

       

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