WILD RICE RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 17, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Wild Rice River was last observed at 722 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,431 acre-ft of water today; about 26% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,796 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2013-04-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at 11,743 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Wild Rice River Nr Abercrombie reporting a streamflow rate of 316 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Wild Rice River, with a gauge stage of 10.15 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 4 different streamgauging stations along the Wild Rice River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,203 ft, the Wild Rice River Nr Rutland.

The Wild Rice River is a 122.5-mile-long tributary of the Red River of the North in Minnesota and North Dakota. The river was historically important to Native American tribes who hunted and fished in the area. Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river, including the Buffalo River Dam, Lake Shure Dam, and the Sand Hill River Dam. These serve multiple purposes, including flood control, recreation, and irrigation. The Wild Rice River is also important for agricultural purposes, as it supports crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Additionally, the river is popular for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, with several campgrounds and parks located along its banks.

Last Updated 2024-04-11
Discharge Volume 1,431 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 721.6 cfs
+91.9 cfs (+14.59%)
Percent of Normal 25.81%
Maximum 11,743.0 cfs
2013-04-29
Seasonal Avg 2,796 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
USGS 05051600
48 cfs 2.6 ft -0.21
Wild Rice River At Twin Valley
USGS 05062500
154 cfs 2.66 ft 4.05
Wild Rice River Nr Abercrombie
USGS 05053000
316 cfs 10.15 ft 25.4
Wild Rice River At Hendrum
USGS 05064000
204 cfs 4.56 ft 12.09
History of the River

The Wild Rice River is a tributary of the Red River of the North in northwestern Minnesota in the United States. It is 183 miles (295 km) long. Via the Red River, Lake Winnipeg and the Nelson River, it is part of the watershed of Hudson Bay. It is one of two Red River tributaries with the same name, the other being the Wild Rice River of North Dakota.
Wild Rice River is an English translation of the native Ojibwe language name.

       

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