Rivers and Streams Data for Minnesota

In addition to its lakes, Minnesota's 92,000 miles of rivers and streams are a very important resource. This page references GIS datasets such as the National Hydrography Dataset, and DNR Hydrography streams base layer and derived layers, and the FEMA Floodways database. Links are provided toExample of rivers on satellite imagery the DNR/PCA Cooperative Stream Gaging Program, USGS real-time river gage data, and PCA stream water quality assessments.

Data Resources

  • Hydrography/Bathymetry

    Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    National Hydrography Dataset

    The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a national framework database of digital surface water features that are combined into "reaches" and a reach addressing system that provides a way to link water-related data to the surface drainage network. These links also enable the display and analysis of water data in upstream and downstream order.     		USGS Nationwide 1:24,000 Current Vector GIS

    MnDNR Hydrography: Streams

    Within the MnDNR Hydrography database, the 1D Stream Routes feature class is the base layer for many derived layers.    		 DNR Statewide 1:24,000+ Current Vector GIS

    Minnesota Trout Streams

    This layer shows legally designated trout streams and trout stream tributaries as identified in Minnesota Rules Chapter 6264.    		 DNR Fisheries Statewide 1:24,000+ 2013 Vector GIS

    FEMA Flood Map Modernization

    A DFIRM is the official digital map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the special flood hazard areas, i.e., the floodplain areas where flood insurance is required for loans and where communities will administer floodplain regulations. Layers include: Base Flood Elevations, Flood Hazard Zones, and Cross Sections. As part of a national 5-year map modernization effort, FEMA floodplain maps are being updated. If available, newer flood elevation data are being used, and newer elevation data (topography) are being used to draw the boundaries of the floodplain.     		FEMA In Progress 1:24,000 Current Vector GIS

    Statewide Altered Watercourse Project

    Stream channel modification (i.e., straightening of stream channels, removal of oxbows and dredging) is a significant source of habitat destruction in many freshwater ecosystems. MPCA needed a more accurate quantification of the extent of altered stream miles throughout the state to support its water quality assessment program. MPCA and MnGeo developed a methodology to categorize streams as 'natural', 'altered', or 'impounded'. This categorization is applied to all Minnesota streams in the National Hydrography Dataset and is updated periodically (see dataset documentation for details).     		MPCA, MnGeo Complete 1:24,000 Current Vector GIS

    Buffer Protection Map

    These data represent public waters and public ditches that require permanent vegetation buffers or alternative riparian water quality practices. The map helps landowners identify buffer protection requirements, under Minnesota's Buffer Law.    		 DNR Statewide Various Current Vector GIS, Web Application

    DNR/PCA Cooperative Stream Gaging website

    This website provides access to (provisionally) current and historical stream level and quantity data from gage sites maintained through the DNR/PCA Cooperative Stream gaging network.    		 DNR, PCA Statewide Various Current Web Application

    USGS Real Time Water Data for Minnesota

    Website contains web map application of Daily Streamflow Conditions at USGS gages throughout Minnesota as well as links to streamflow, precipitation and ground-water tables.    		 USGS Statewide Various Current Web Application, Table

    National Atlas Water Data

    Generalized water data such as 'Streams and Waterbodies'.    		 USGS North America 1:2,000,000 Various Vector GIS, Maps

    Bathymetric Data for the Upper Mississippi River System

    The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program at the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center has overseen the collection, processing, and serving of bathymetric data since 1989.    		 USGS Upper Mississippi River Various Various Raster and Vector GIS, Maps
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  • Quality

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    Streams and Rivers

    		 PCA Statewide Various Current Text

    2012 Assessed Streams GIS data


    Section 305b of the U.S. Clean Water Act requires states to estimate how well they meet the goals of the Clean Water Act as well as their own water quality standards and to share this information with people involved with watershed management. This webpage contains links to stream water quality assessment reports and interactive maps.    		 PCA Statewide Various 2012 Text, PDF, Web Application, Vector GIS

    Environmental Info Management Systems

    View and download water quality data on lakes, rivers, streams and rain gauges for the region.    		 Metropolitan Council Twin Cities Metro Various Current Spreadsheet and JSON

    How's My Waterway?

    Learn the condition of local streams, lakes and other waters quickly and in plain language using a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. See if local waterways were checked for pollution, what was found, and what is being done. Information source: State water quality monitoring reports.     		EPA Nationwide Various Current Web Application
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  • General

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type
    General Rivers and Streams Information DNR Statewide N/A Current Text
    Reach/Watercourse Standard MnGeo Hydrography Committee Statewide N/A 2006 Text
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