River stage
Root River (MN)
- River level
- Normal
- Status
- Below flood stage
Latest readings 2026-10-13 | NWS · USGS
- Gauges reporting
- 4 of 4
- Above flood stage
- 0
- Above action stage
- 0
- Overall
- Below flood stage
- Publisher
- NWS · USGS
In brief
On Oct 13, 2026, 4 of 4 gauges on the Root River (MN) reported, and none was above flood stage.
Source: National Weather Service and USGS gauges
Root River levels, gauge by gauge
The Root River is measured at 4 gauges. Flood stages are set per gauge, so the same river is "high" at one town and normal at the next.
| Location | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NWS gauge MDPM5 | 655.37 ft | below flood stage |
| Houston | 3.94 ft | normal, falling |
| Pilot Mound | 8.35 ft | normal, falling |
| Rushford 2W | 9.76 ft | below flood stage |
Recent levels on the Root River
The gauge with the fullest recent record on this river is Houston, MN, with 122 days of readings.
Other rivers nearby
- Root River (WI) different river, same name
- Bear Creek (MN) 1 gauge
- Zumbro River 3 gauges
- Cedar River (IA, MN) 18 gauges
- Cannon River 5 gauges
- St. Croix River (MN, WI) 5 gauges
- Minnesota River 15 gauges
- Snake River (MN) 3 gauges
Frequently asked questions
Is the Root River flooding right now?
No. Every one of the 4 reporting gauges on the Root River is below flood stage as of 2026-10-13.
How high is the Root River?
The river is measured at several points and each reads a different height. Houston is at 3.94 ft; Pilot Mound is at 8.35 ft.
Where is the Root River measured?
The National Weather Service and USGS operate 4 gauges on the Root River in Minnesota.
What does flood stage mean?
Flood stage is the height at which a river begins to cause problems at that specific location. It is set per gauge, so the same river can be above flood stage in one town and normal a few miles downstream. Action stage is the lower level at which forecasters start watching closely.
River stages and flood categories from the NOAA National Weather Service; daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.