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WAPSIPINICON RIVER

River Levels • Streamflow • Hydrology

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Total streamflow across the Wapsipinicon River was last observed at 704 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,397 acre-ft of water today; about 34% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,081 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-09-09 when daily discharge volume was observed at 64,950 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Wapsipinicon River Near De Witt reporting a streamflow rate of 671 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli with a gauge stage of 6.96 ft. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Wapsipinicon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,019 ft, the Wapsipinicon River Near Tripoli.

The Wapsipinicon River is a 290-mile-long river that flows through Iowa and Minnesota. Its name comes from the Meskwaki word "Wapsie," meaning "white potato," and "Pinicon," meaning "river of the light-colored soil." The river has a rich history, with Native American tribes using it for transportation and fishing, and European settlers using it for mills and power. Today, the Wapsipinicon River is used for recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping, and for agricultural purposes like irrigation and livestock watering. There are several reservoirs and dams on the river, including the Lake Delhi Dam, which was destroyed in 2010 and rebuilt in 2014, and the Central City Dam, which was built in 1914 and still provides hydroelectric power. Despite occasional flooding, the Wapsipinicon River remains an important part of Iowa's natural and cultural heritage.

December 21, 2024

Last Updated	2024-12-13
Discharge Volume	1,397 ACRE-FT
Streamflow	704.4 cfs +138.0 cfs (+24.36%)
Percent of Normal	33.85%
Maximum	64,950.0 cfs 2018-09-09
Seasonal Avg	2,081 cfs

History of the River

The Wapsipinicon River (locally known as the Wapsi) is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 300 miles (480 km) long, in southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa in the United States. It drains a rural farming region of rolling hills and bluffs north of Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.
It rises in Mower County, Minnesota and enters Iowa in northern Mitchell County. It flows generally southeast across rural Chickasaw, Bremer, and Buchanan counties, past Independence and Anamosa. Along its lower 25 miles (40 km) it turns east, forming the boundary between Clinton and Scott counties. It joins the Mississippi from the west approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Clinton.
It defines the western boundary of the Driftless Area. While the Wapsi has a soft, recent catchment, the Driftless, to the east and north, tumbles down to the Mississippi in rugged canyons.
The name of the river in the Ojibwe language is Waabizipinikaan-ziibi ("river abundant in swan-potatoes"), on account of the large quantity of arrowheads or wild artichokes, known as "swan-potatoes" (waabizipiniin, singular waabizipin), once found near its banks. Severe flooding on the river in 1993, as part of the larger floods in region, caused widespread damage to the surrounding cropland.
The Wapsipinicon River runs alongside the Iowa cities and communities of McIntire, Riceville, Deerfield, Frederika, Tripoli, Littleton, Otterville, Independence, Quasqueton, Troy Mills, Paris, Central City, Waubeek, Stone City, Anamosa, Olin, Oxford Junction, Oxford Mills, Massillon, Toronto, Wheatland, McCausland, Folletts, and Shaffton before emptying into the Mississippi River. Cedar Rock State Park is located on the Wapsipinicon near Quasqueton. Wapsipinicon State Park is located along its southern bank at Anamosa. Many regional parks also border the river.
The Wapsipinicon is known for excellent fishing for catfish, although it also contains abundant northern pike, carp, sunfish, and walleye (in some areas).