Des Moines River Watershed Characterization Report

The Des Moines River watershed within the state of Minnesota is comprised of all or part of three Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 8 watersheds. Together, the watersheds drain approximately 1,537 mi2 of agricultural land in a northwest to southeast direction. The following report analyzes the hydrology, connectivity, and geomorphology components of the Des Moines River watersheds as well as general watershed characteristics. Historical gage data, stream crossing data, and applied fluvial geomorphology assessments were analyzed to characterize conditions of the watershed and find relationships to help understand water quality and biological impairments throughout the watershed.