Iowa River Near Lone Tree flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Iowa River Near Lone Tree is flowing at 6,530 cfs with a gage height of 10.16 ft, receding 14% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05455700, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Iowa River Near Lone Tree at a glance
How Iowa River Near Lone Tree is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Iowa River Near Lone Tree is flowing at 6,530 cfs, with the water sitting 10.16 ft at the gage. Flow is down 14% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05455700 in Iowa. Over the past 10 days the average has been 7,607 cfs, peaking at 8,660 cfs.
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
Over the next 5 days, Iowa River Near Lone Tree is expected to recede from today's 6530 cfs, toward roughly 5356 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 1747-16423 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
Iowa River Near Lone Tree
The river is not dammed near Lone Tree, but it does have several tributaries, including the Cedar River and Skunk River. Seasonally, the river experiences high flow in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation, while low flow occurs in the summer and fall. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the river include its role in the formation of Iowa's diverse landforms and its importance for agriculture and recreation in the region.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Iowa River Near Lone Tree's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Iowa River Near Lone Tree | 6,530 cfs |
| Cedar River Near Conesville | 17,400 cfs |
| English River At Kalona | 238 cfs |
| Old Mans Creek Near Iowa City | 132 cfs |
| Iowa River At Iowa City | 5,760 cfs |
| Hoover Crk At Hoover Nat.Hist.Site West Branch | 2 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Iowa River Near Lone Tree. 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 |
|---|---|
| Columbus Junct 1 N | 0 in |
| Iowa City | 0 in |
| Coralville 1.4 S | 0 in |
| Mississippi R | 0 in |
| New London 1.5 Sw | 0 in |
| Fairfield | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Iowa River Near Lone Tree.
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 Iowa River Near Lone Tree in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Iowa River Near Lone Tree crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Iowa River Near Lone Tree
Where does the streamflow data for Iowa River Near Lone Tree come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05455700. 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 Iowa River Near Lone Tree 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 Iowa River Near Lone Tree report
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