Des Moines River At Fort Dodge flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Des Moines River At Fort Dodge is flowing at 2,450 cfs with a gage height of 5.28 ft, receding 13% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05480500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge at a glance
How Des Moines River At Fort Dodge is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge is flowing at 2,450 cfs, with the water sitting 5.28 ft at the gage. Flow is down 13% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05480500 in Iowa. Over the past 10 days the average has been 3,962 cfs, peaking at 5,860 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Des Moines River At Fort Dodge is expected to recede from today's 2820 cfs, toward roughly 2315 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 752-7125 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Iowa flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
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.
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
The river has several potential tributaries, including the Raccoon River, Boone River, and Lizard Creek. There are no major dams in the area that affect the flow of the river. Seasonal trends for the river show higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation, while lower flows occur in the summer and fall. The hydrology of the Des Moines River is important for flood control and water supply for local communities. Interesting facts about the river include its historical significance as a transportation route for early settlers and its designation as a National Water Trail.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Des Moines River At Fort Dodge's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Des Moines River At Fort Dodge | 2,450 cfs |
| Des Moines River At Humboldt | 1,120 cfs |
| East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City | 1,040 cfs |
| Des Moines River Near Stratford | 3,770 cfs |
| Boone River Near Webster City | 559 cfs |
| Iowa River Near Rowan | 869 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Des Moines River At Fort Dodge. 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 |
|---|---|
| Boone | 0 in |
| Ames 2.1 N | 0 in |
| Ames 0.9 Ene | 0 in |
| Iowa Falls | 0 in |
| Emmetsburg | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Des Moines River At Fort Dodge.
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 Des Moines River At Fort Dodge in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Des Moines River At Fort Dodge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
Where does the streamflow data for Des Moines River At Fort Dodge come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05480500. 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 Des Moines River At Fort Dodge 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 Des Moines River At Fort Dodge report
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