Raccoon River Near West Des Moines flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Raccoon River Near West Des Moines is flowing at 1,320 cfs with a gage height of 28.17 ft, rising 22% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05484600, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines at a glance
How Raccoon River Near West Des Moines is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines is flowing at 1,320 cfs, with the water sitting 28.17 ft at the gage. Flow is up 22% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #05484600 in Iowa.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Iowa flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #05484600).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
The river receives water from several tributaries, including Walnut Creek and Sugar Creek, and is impounded by Saylorville Dam upstream. The Raccoon River experiences seasonal trends, with higher flows typically occurring in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall. Interestingly, the Raccoon River is home to a diverse range of fish species, including the endangered pallid sturgeon. Additionally, the river serves as a popular recreational spot for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Raccoon River Near West Des Moines's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,320 cfs |
| Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines | 1,500 cfs |
| Walnut Creek At Des Moines | 40 cfs |
| Raccoon River At Fleur Drive | 1,500 cfs |
| North River Near Norwalk | 144 cfs |
| Raccoon River At Van Meter | 1,360 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Raccoon River Near West Des Moines. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Des Moines International | 0 in |
| Windsor Heights 0.8 Se | 0 in |
| Des Moines Snow | 0 in |
| Des Moines 5.4 Wnw | 0 in |
| Des Moines 3.7 Nw | 0 in |
| Ankeny | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Raccoon River Near West Des Moines.
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Raccoon River Near West Des Moines in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Raccoon River Near West Des Moines crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
Where does the streamflow data for Raccoon River Near West Des Moines come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05484600. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Raccoon River Near West Des Moines rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Raccoon River Near West Des Moines report
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