NORTH DAKOTA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

The State of North Dakota presents a varied and dynamic picture of river conditions across its waterways, offering insights into the seasonal trends and current anomalies in streamflow that are essential for river enthusiasts and water resource managers. A noticeable trend throughout the state is the generally subnormal flow rates in several key rivers. For instance, the Red River of the North, which is significant for its recreational and ecological importance, shows streamflow rates well below the normal at Fargo with a -62.12 percent normal flow and an ample current gage height of 14.1 feet. Similarly, the Sheyenne River, with sections popular for fishing and paddling, also exhibits lower than normal flows across its various monitoring locations.

In particular, the Sheyenne River near Cooperstown has experienced a substantial increase in streamflow over the last 24 hours with a rise of 59.82 cfs, though still remaining -47.21 percent below normal, emphasizing the variability and potential for rapid change in river conditions. The Pembina River at Walhalla, not typically noted for whitewater, reflects a rare increase above the normal flow rate by 62.53 percent, indicating the possibility of flooding in adjacent areas. The Missouri River at Bismarck, a major watershed with substantial recreational use, reports a high current streamflow of 16,700 cfs, with a modest increase of 5.03 cfs over the last day, which could impact water activities. These data points are pivotal in assessing the risk of flow droughts or flooding events in North Dakota's river systems. River goers and communities should stay updated with the latest river conditions, as the dynamic nature of streamflows can lead to sudden changes in river environments and water levels.