NORTH DAKOTA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

The North Dakota streamflow report indicates several deviations from the norm across key water bodies, which river enthusiasts and water resource managers should note. The Red River of the North demonstrates variable streamflow changes; notable stations such as Fargo reflect a significant dip in current streamflow to 284 cubic feet per second (cfs), a 62.12% decrease from normal levels, which could potentially affect recreational activities and water availability. Conversely, the Sheyenne River near Kindred reports a near-normal flow at 337 cfs, with a minor negative departure of 2.3% from typical values. However, an increased streamflow change over the last 24 hours has been observed at the Sheyenne River Nr Cooperstown station, spiking by 59.82 cfs, raising awareness for possible rapid changes in water conditions. The Missouri River at Bismarck maintains the highest flow in the dataset at 16,700 cfs, albeit 6.69% below the expected flow, while the Little Missouri River near Watford City shows an above-normal flow rate, which can impact whitewater trail conditions.

In areas like Grand Forks, the Red River of the North shows a streamflow of 1510 cfs, with a slight 24-hour increase of 2.72 cfs, which remains considerably below the usual by 52.2%, highlighting a flow drought scenario. Despite this, the Pembina River at Walhalla marks an above-normal flow rate at 138 cfs, indicating a 62.53% increase, which may lead to heightened attention for potential flood conditions in surrounding regions. Gage heights across the state, such as the notable 24.14 feet at Sheyenne River Below Baldhill Dam, can serve as critical indicators for water level management and flood risk assessment. These disparate trends across North Dakota's rivers and streams underline the importance of ongoing monitoring for stakeholders reliant on these waterways for recreation, ecosystem health, and resource planning.