Iowa · river
Des Moines River at Ottumwa
Live conditions for this USGS-monitored stretch of water, updated every 15 minutes.
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Paddle Score, from live wind and water conditions
Wind
4 mph
gusting to 4 mph
Air temp
69°F
15% chance of rain
River flow
16,900 cfs
high for this date
Best day to paddle this week
Thursday · 100
Today
83
85°
Thu
100
82°
Best
Fri
78
91°
Sat
98
88°
Sun
59
86°
Mon
65
84°
Tue
82
94°
Scored from each day's peak forecast wind, heat, and rain chance — river flow isn't forecastable, so check back before you load the boat.
Wind, next 12 hours
mph| Hour | Wind (mph) | Gusts (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 6a | 4 | 4 |
| 7a | 2 | 3 |
| 8a | 1 | 4 |
| 9a | 5 | 6 |
| 10a | 4 | 5 |
| 11a | 4 | 5 |
| 12p | 3 | 4 |
| 1p | 3 | 4 |
| 2p | 2 | 4 |
| 3p | 3 | 4 |
| 4p | 3 | 5 |
| 5p | 12 | 13 |
Is this flow normal for August 19?
Today's 16,900 cfs is 409% above the median for this date — which counts as high water here.
The median flow on this date is 3,320 cfs, across 55 years of USGS record at this gauge. Whether that is runnable depends on the stretch — this is context, not a recommendation.
Why this score
- Wind — 4 mph — calm, ideal for any boat±0
We don't have launch notes for this one
This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.
We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.
Do your own homework
We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.
- Paddler discussion on Reddit
Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source
- Search American Whitewater
Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions
- Satellite view and access roads
Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like
- Video from this water
The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive
- USGS gauge 05489500
Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata