Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources

Hydrologic Conditions Report May 2021

Previous reports at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/current_conditions/hydro_conditions.html

• Precipitation for May was generally below normal across the state, with some notable exceptions. The driest area was generally in a wide swath from west central to north central Minnesota, over the same areas that saw above normal precipitation in April. Some of the wettest areas in May 2021, were in the southeast which had below normal precipitation in April. The highest preliminary monthly total found so far was 6.75 inches at a location 1.8 miles southeast of Owatonna in Steele County. One of the lowest precipitation totals found was .24 inches or 3.19 inches below normal at Ottertail in west central Minnesota. The statewide preliminary total was 2.51 inches or 1.34 inches below normal. The June 1U.S. Drought Monitor map shows Abnormally Dry conditions over 60% of the state. The driest locations are in southern and northwest MN with areas of Moderate drought. In far northwest Minnesota there is a sliver of Severe drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor index is a blend of science and subjectivity where drought categories (Moderate, Severe etc.) are based on several indicators.

• A majority of the stream gages throughout the state used in this report were ranked Normal (25-75th

percentile) for May of this year. Drier than normal conditions for the month caused an increase in the number of gages ranking Below Normal (10 – 25th percentile) compared to last month.

• Seven of the 22 lakes surveyed in the Lake Level Status map are now showing Low and Below Normal percentiles in May. The majority of 22 lakes presented in the report are in the Normal percentile, despite the decrease in lake levels. Only one of the 22 lakes surveyed remained at an Above Normal percentile. Fifty-nine percent of the surveyed lakes were still at a Normal percentile when comparing May 2021 lake levels to their entire historic record, with 23% at High or Above Normal percentiles and 18% at Low or Below Normal. From this group, 50% were above their average lake level for the entire historic record, while 33% were below their average.

• 7% of the 150 total groundwater observation well measurements available for May were ranked at High water level (>90th percentile). 10% of wells ranked Above Normal water level (75th to 90th percentile), 45%of wells ranked Normal water level (25th to 75th percentile), 15% of wells were ranked Below Normal (10th

– 25th percentile), and 22% of wells were ranked Low water level (≤10th percentile). A cluster of wells in Pipestone and Rock counties continue to be ranked Below Normal and Low water levels. This area is classified as a severe drought zone in the June 10 U.S. Drought Monitor index (mentioned above). A cluster of wells in Marshall and Pennington counties continue to be ranked Below Normal and Low water levels. This area is classified as a moderate drought zone in the June 10 U.S Drought Monitor index. Another cluster of wells in Stevens and Pope counties ranked Low water levels. This area is also classified as a moderate drought zone in the June 10 U.S. Drought Monitor index.

The information in this report is provided by DNR through long term programs committed to recording and tracking the long term status

of our water resources. The current conditions of precipitation, stream flows, lake levels, and groundwater levels in this report provide

valuable information for natural and economic resource management on a state, county, and watershed level. If you have questions on

the content of this report please contact DNR Climatology Office: climate@umn.edu

38

24

22

55

54

47 464652 5084 53 444948

43

42

3083

31 325182 4041

2981 39

27 28

3833

1925

2018

3717

34

16

26

1534

23

3614

21

5

3510

13

1157

5812

56

8

24

6059

9

7

3

61

661

63

73

62

72

67

77 76

68 6574

78 75

79

7170

69

80

LAKE OF THE WOODS

KITTSON ROSEAU

KOOCHICHING

MARSHALL

ST. LOUIS

BELTRAMI

POLK

PENNINGTON

COOK

LAKE

CLEARWATER

RED LAKE ITASCA

NORMAN MAHNOMEN

CASSHUBBARD

CLAYBECKER

AITKIN

WADENA CROW WING

CARLTON

OTTER TAILWILKIN

PINE

TODD MORRISON

MILLELACS

KANABECGRANT

DOUGLAS

TRAVERSEBENTON

STEVENS

STEARNS

POPE ISANTI

CHISAGO

BIG STONE SHERBURNE

SWIFT KANDIYOHI

WRIGHT ANOKAMEEKER

LAC QUI PARLE

WASH

INGT

ON

HENNEPIN

CHIPPEWARAMSEY

MCLEOD CARVERYELLOW MEDICINE DAKOTA

RENVILLE

SCOTTSIBLEY

REDWOOD GOODHUE

LINCOLNLYON

LE SUEUR

RICEBROWN

NICOLLET

WABASHA

BLUEEARTH

PIPESTONE MURRAY COTTONWOOD WINONAWASECA

STEELE DODGE

OLMSTEDWATONWAN

ROCK NOBLES

JACKSON

MARTIN HOUSTONFARIBAULT

FILLMORE

FREEBORN MOWER

Minnesota Counties and Major Watershed Index

1. Lake Superior - North2. Lake Superior - South3. St. Louis River4. Cloquet River5. Nemadji River6. (none)7. Mississippi River - Headwaters8. Leech Lake River9. Mississippi River - Grand Rapids

10. Mississippi River - Brainerd11. Pine River12. Crow Wing River13. Redeye River14. Long Prairie River15. Mississippi River - Sartell16. Sauk River17. Mississippi River - St. Cloud18. North Fork Crow River19. South Fork Crow River20. Mississippi River - Twin Cities21. Rum River22. Minnesota River - Headwaters23. Pomme de Terre River24. Lac Qui Parle River25. Minnesota - Yellow Medicine Rivers26. Chippewa River27. Redwood River28. Minnesota River - Mankato29. Cottonwood River30. Blue Earth River31. Watonwan River32. Le Sueur River33. Lower Minnesota River34. Upper St. Croix River35. Kettle River36. Snake River37. Lower St. Croix River38. Mississippi River - Lake Pepin39. Cannon River40. Mississippi River - Winona41. Zumbro River42. Mississippi River - La Crescent43. Root River44. Mississippi River - Reno45. (none)46. Upper Iowa River47. Upper Wapsipinicon River48. Cedar River49. Shell Rock River50. Winnebago River51. Des Moines River - Headwaters52. Lower Des Moines River53. East Fork Des Moines River54. Bois de Sioux River55. Mustinka River56. Otter Tail River57. Upper Red River of the North58. Buffalo River59. Red River of the North - Marsh River60. Wild Rice River61. Red River of the North - Sandhill River62. Upper/Lower Red Lake63. Red Lake River64. (none)65. Thief River66. Clearwater River67. Red River of the North - Grand Marais Creek68. Snake River69. Red River of the North - Tamarac River70. Two Rivers71. Roseau River72. Rainy River - Headwaters73. Vermilion River74. Rainy River - Rainy Lake75. Rainy River - Black River76. Little Fork River77. Big Fork River78. Rapid River79. Rainy River - Baudette80. Lake of the Woods81. Upper Big Sioux River82. Lower Big Sioux River83. Rock River84. Little Sioux River

Level 2 Hydrologic Unit (HUC4)Cedar RiverDes Moines RiverLower Mississippi RiverMinnesota RiverMississippi - Upper Iowa RiversMississippi River - Headwaters

Missouri - Big Sioux RiversMissouri - Little Sioux RiversRainy RiverRed River of the NorthSt. Croix RiverWestern Lake Superior

DNR Major Watershed -Level 4 Hydrologic Unit (HUC8)

Climatology

May 4, 2021

DNR Major WatershedDrought Intensity

D0 Drought - Abnormally DryD1 Drought - ModerateD2 Drought - SevereD3 Drought - ExtremeD4 Drought - Exceptional

U.S. Drought MonitorJune 1, 2021

(preliminary) (preliminary)

Precipitation for May was generally below normal across the state, with some notable exceptions. The driest area wasgenerally in a wide swath from west central to north central Minnesota, over the same areas that saw above normalprecipitation in April. Some of the wettest areas in May 2021, were in the southeast which had below normal precipitation inApril. The highest preliminary monthly total found so far was 6.75 inches at a location 1.8 miles southeast of Owatonna inSteele County. One of the lowest precipitation totals found was .24 inches or 3.19 inches below normal at Ottertail in westcentral Minnesota. The statewide preliminary total was 2.51 inches or 1.34 inches below normal. The June 1 U. S. DroughtMonitor map shows Abnormally Dry conditions over 60% of the state. The driest locations are in southern and northwest MNwith areas of Moderate drought. In far northwest Minnesota there is a sliver of Severe drought. The U.S. Drought Monitorindex is a blend of science and subjectivity where drought categories (Moderate, Severe etc.) are based on several indicators.

Total PrecipitationMay 2021

Total PrecipitationDeparture from Normal:

May 2021

inchesinches

6.07.0

4.05.0

3.02.01.0

0.10.5

1

-4

-10

2

-2-3

3

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47 464652 5084 53 4449 48 4342

3083

313251

82 40412981 39

27 28 3833

24 1925

2018

22 3717

3416

26

1555

5434

23

3614

21

535

1013

1157

58 1256

8 246059

9

7

3

6166

163 7362

72

67

7776

67

68 65 7478 75

797170

69

80

LAKE OFTHE WOODS

KITTSON ROSEAU

KOOCHICHING

MARSHALL

ST.LOUIS

BELTRAMI

POLK

PENNINGTON

COOK

LAKE

REDLAKE

ITASCA

NORMAN MAHNOMEN

CASS

HUBBARD

CLAYBECKER

AITKIN

WADENACROWWING

CARLTON

OTTERTAIL

WILKIN

PINETODD MORRISON

MILLELACS

KANABECGRANT DOUGLAS

TRAVERSEBENTON

STEVENS

STEARNSPOPE ISANTI

CHISAGO

BIGSTONE

SHERBURNE

SWIFT

KANDIYOHIWRIGHT

ANOKA

MEEKERLAC QUI PARLE

WASHINGTON

HENNEPINCHIPPEWA

RAMSEY

MCLEOD CARVERYELLOWMEDICINE

DAKOTA

RENVILLESCOTT

SIBLEYREDWOOD

GOODHUE

LINCOLN

LYONLESUEUR

RICE

BROWN

NICOLLET

WABASHA

BLUEEARTHPIPESTONE MURRAY COTTONWOOD WINONA

WASECA

STEELE DODGE OLMSTEDWATONWAN

ROCK NOBLES

JACKSON

MARTIN

HOUSTON

FARIBAULT FILLMORE

FREEBORN MOWER

Surface Water: Stream Flow

Previous Flow ConditionsApril 2021

This map is based on provisional stream gage datafrom the USGS National Water Information System

May 2021Stream Flow Conditions

* Percentile ranking based on mean daily flows for the current month averaged and ranked with all historical mean daily flows for that month. A watershed ranked at zero means that the present month flow is the lowest in the period of record; a ranking of 100 indicates the highest in the period of record. A ranking at the 50th percentile (median) specifies that the present-month flow is in the middle of the historical distribution.

# Designated major watershed gage High Flows (>90th percentile)Above Normal Flows (75 - 90th percentile)Normal Flows (25 - 75th percentile)Below Normal Flows (10 - 25th percentile)Low Flows (<= 10th percentile)Flow affected by iceFlow affected by backwaterRating being developed or revisedNo Data

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LAKE OF THE WOODS

KITTSONROSEAU

KOOCHICHING

MARSHALL

ST. LOUIS

BELTRAMI

POLK

PENNINGTON

COOK

LAKE

CLEARWATER

RED LAKE ITASCA

NORMAN MAHNOMEN

CASSHUBBARD

CLAYBECKER

AITKIN

WADENA CROW WING

CARLTON

OTTER TAILWILKIN

PINE

TODD MORRISON

MILLELACS

KANABECGRANT

DOUGLAS

TRAVERSEBENTON

STEVENS STEARNSPOPE

ISANTI

CHISAGO

BIG STONE SHERBURNE

SWIFT KANDIYOHI

WRIGHT

ANOKA

MEEKERLAC QUI PARLE WA

SHIN

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HENNEPIN

CHIPPEWARAMSEY

MCLEOD CARVERYELLOW MEDICINE DAKOTA

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SCOTTSIBLEY

REDWOOD GOODHUE

LINCOLNLYON

LE SUEUR

RICEBROWN

NICOLLET

WABASHA

BLUEEARTH

PIPESTONE MURRAY COTTONWOOD WINONAWASECA

STEELE DODGE

OLMSTEDWATONWAN

ROCK NOBLES

JACKSON

MARTIN HOUSTONFARIBAULT

FILLMORE

FREEBORN MOWER

Upper Cormorant

Turtle River

Chub

North Center

Poplar

Edward

Marion

Minnetonka

Green

Lake of the Woods

West Jefferson

Mille Lacs

Upper PriorSwan

White Bear

Shetek

Indian

East Battle

Pokegama

SarahVermilion

Minnewaska !(

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Source data from: MN DNR Waters Lake Level Minnesota Monitoring Program

May 2021Lake Level Status

Surface Water: Lake Levels

* Percentile ranking based on last reported reading for the currentmonth compared to all historical reported levels for that month.A lake ranked at zero means that the present reported level

is the lowest in the period of record; a ranking of 100 indicates the highest in the period of record.A ranking at the 50th percentile (median) specifies that the present-

month reported lake level is in the middle of the historical distribution.

Previous ConditionsApril 2021

!( High Water Levels (>90th percentile)!( Above Normal Water Levels (75 - 90th percentile)!( Normal Water Levels (25 - 75th percentile)!( Below Normal Water Levels (10 - 25th percentile)!( Low Water Levels (<= 10th percentile)!( No reading available

Level 2 Hydrologic UnitDNR Major Watershed

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Groundwater Level Historical Rankings

* Percentile ranking based on last reported reading for the current monthcompared to all historical reported levels for that month. A water level ranked atzero means that the present reported level is the lowest in the period of record; aranking of 100 indicates the highest in the period of record. A ranking at the 50thpercentile (median) specifies that the present month reported water level is in themiddle of the historical distribution.Source data from: MN DNR Groundwater Level Monitoring Program

Groundwater

May 2021

Previous ConditionsApril 2021

Minnesota Groundwater Provinces 2021East-centralSouth-centralKarst

CentralWesternArrowhead-shallow bedrock

""""""

High Water Levels (>90th percentile)Above Normal Water Levels (75 - 90th percentile)Normal Water Levels (25 - 75th percentile)Below Normal Water Levels (10 - 25th percentile)Low Water Levels (<= 10th percentile)No reading available

Percentile *

Aquifer TypeWater TableBedrockBuried Artesian

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