Parts of Otter Tail River “Essentially Not Flowing”

photo courtesy Becker Soil and Water Conservation District

ROCHERT (KDLM) – River levels on the Otter Tail River near Rochert have gotten so low that you might not even know a river exists.

The Becker Soil and Water Conservation District posted a photo, Wednesday of the river on their facebook page that shows only a small trickle of water. “The Otter Tail River at Rochert is essentially not flowing,” the post said.

The Minnesota DNR recently indicate that nearly 10% of the state is now in an exceptional drought classification while  more than 40% of the state is in an extreme drought.

As a result of drought conditions, rivers and lakes have receded, some nearly drying up and farmers are facing critical weeks ahead as they prepare to harvest crops.