Vermillion River

Total streamflow across the Vermillion River was last observed at 116 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 231 acre-ft of water today; about 16% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 719 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-03-21 when daily discharge volume was observed at 8,980 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Vermillion River Near Empire reporting a streamflow rate of 74.2 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Vermillion River, with a gauge stage of 2.78 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Vermillion River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,137 ft, the Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd.

The river has a rich history of supporting Native American communities and early European settlers, who used it for transportation and fishing. The river spans a length of 107 miles and has a drainage area of 1,070 square miles. The hydrology of the river is heavily impacted by agricultural practices and urbanization. The Xcel Energy hydroelectric dam and reservoir at the Red Wing Dam is the largest reservoir on the river and provides power to the surrounding area. Recreational activities on the Vermillion River include fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The river also supports agricultural activities such as irrigation and livestock grazing.