River stage
Ottumwa, Des Moines River
- River level
- 8.88 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.12 ft
- Recent high
- 10.23 ft
- Recent low
- 0.93 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS OTMI4
- 30-day change
- +2.63 ft
- Average
- 5.02 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 22.15 ft
In brief
The Des Moines River at Ottumwa, IA read 8.88 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 0.12 ft below action stage. That is 2.63 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge OTMI4
Water 68 °F (20 °C) · 6 °F warmer than normal for this date
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.15 ft | 1993-07-12 |
| 2 | 20.97 ft | 1947-06-07 |
| 3 | 20.60 ft | 2008-06-17 |
| 4 | 20.23 ft | 1903-05-31 |
| 5 | 20.04 ft | 2010-08-11 |
| 6 | 18.33 ft | 1965-04-11 |
| 7 | 18.27 ft | 1944-05-24 |
| 8 | 18.26 ft | 1960-04-01 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 9.00 ft
Some agricultural flooding begins primarily downstream of Ottumwa.
- 10.00 ft
Some agricultural flooding begins along most of the reach between Ottumwa and Eldon.
- 11.00 ft
Bear Creek reaches bankfull.
- 13.00 ft
Water affects Eldon. Water also affects some secondary roads.
- 15.00 ft
Flooding occurs in rural areas both upstream and downstream of Ottumwa.
- 17.00 ft
Water affects Paris St. The Market St bridge is closed.
- 17.50 ft
Sewer backup in basements occurs at businesses along Main St.
- 18.00 ft
Water affects the Fairport area along the railroad tracks. Sandbagging may be needed at the Vine St diversion chamber. Evacuations may begin at the trailer court.
- 18.50 ft
Sewer backup will reach the road surface at Market St and Commercial St.
- 19.50 ft
Water affects the Market St parking lot. The entrance to the Market St bridge is sandbagged.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Des Moines River flooding at Ottumwa?
No. The Des Moines River at Ottumwa is at 8.88 ft, 0.12 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Ottumwa?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 9 ft, minor flooding 13 ft, moderate flooding 15 ft and major flooding 19 ft.
What is the highest the Des Moines River has been at Ottumwa?
The highest crest on record is 22.15 ft, on 1993-07-12.
Is the Des Moines River high or low right now at Ottumwa?
At 8.88 ft it is higher than 89% of readings over the last 122 days.
How warm is the water at Ottumwa, Des Moines River?
The water temperature at Ottumwa, Des Moines River is 68 °F (19.9 °C), measured 7:20 pm by USGS, which is 6 °F warmer than normal for this date over the past ten years. It has held steady over the last 24 hours.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge OTMI4); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 05489500). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.