Red River information from the USGS and others

North Dakota Water Science Center

Red River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

Except in extremely dry years, the Red River of the North (Red River) generally has adequate flow for canoeing throughout the summer. However, severe flooding can occur on the Red River and it is important not to canoe until flooding conditions have abated. Streamflow and stage data are available for recreationists to reference and determine the best flows for their enjoyment.

Data Interpretation

Because the Red River is open to recreationists throughout the summer, there are no streamflow or stage canoeing recommendations. However, the U.S. Geological Survey does monitor streamflow and stage for the Red River and the information is available to recreationists who may want to track the data.

Gaging Stations

Wahpeton (on left bank in Wahpeton, 800 feet downstream from confluence of Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail Rivers, and at river mile 548.6)

Fargo (25 miles upstream from mouth of Sheyenne River, and at river mile 453)

Grand Forks (on right bank 30 feet downstream from DeMers Avenue bridge, 0.4 mile downstream from Red Lake River, and at river mile 297.6)

Drayton (on downstream side of bridge on North Dakota State Highway 66, at North Dakota-Minnesota border, 1.5 miles northeast of Drayton, and at river mile 206.7)

Other Gaging Stations - Although the U.S. Geological Survey maintains other gaging stations on the Red River, the four gages listed above were chosen because Fargo and Grand Forks are the largest cities on the Red River in North Dakota, Wahpeton is at the southern end (beginning) of the Red River, and the Drayton gage is the northernmost Red River gage in North Dakota.

As river conditions change due to natural events or human activities, the streamflow-stage relation may change. As streamflow and stage decrease, the river becomes slower and shallower. As streamflow and stage increase, the river becomes faster and deeper. Canoeing should not be attempted when the river is flooding. Observation of the river and its streamflow or stage over time will help you determine the optimal river level for your enjoyment.

How to Obtain Current Streamflow and Stage Data

Pick the gage/city closest to your desired canoeing route on the Red River. Click on the link for that gage in the chart above; click on the button with the city name on the left side of this screen; or click on the gage, indicated by a red triangle, on the map below. You will be presented with a chart showing the current streamflow (discharge). Scroll down for another chart showing the current stage (gage height). To view streamflow for the last 18 months click on the button on the left side of the screen that says 18-Month Graph. Data for the past 18 months are helpful in determining the best time of the year to canoe a river.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://nd.water.usgs.gov/canoeing/red/recommendations.html
Page Contact Information: Webmaster
Page Last Modified: Monday, 11-Feb-2008 15:52:26 EST
Sioux Falls, SD [sdww51]

What's New

Data Center

Information Center

USGS IN YOUR STATE

RSS Feeds

Red River

Red River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

Data Interpretation

Gaging Stations

How to Obtain Current Streamflow and Stage Data