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CanWePaddle

Crow River — Hanover to Dayton: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Crow River · Class I · Minnesota

Current verdict

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

1,060 cfs/ 3.9 ft gauge
Runnable 103–1,400 cfs

USGS gauge 05280000 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC

7-day flow trend

1,53002026-07-022026-07-08
Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty
Class I
Length
Float time
Best months
April–October
Put-in
Hanover access
Take-out
Dayton (river mouth access)

Reading USGS gauge 05280000 — CROW RIVER AT ROCKFORD, MN

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Crow River — Hanover to Dayton?

This section is generally runnable at 103–1,400 cfs. Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Crow River levels?

We read USGS gauge 05280000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Crow River — Hanover to Dayton good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Crow River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

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