Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding flow report
As of July 12, 2026, Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding is flowing at 121 cfs with a gage height of 4.23 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04033000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding at a glance
How Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding is flowing at 121 cfs, with the water sitting 4.23 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #04033000 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 143 cfs, peaking at 176 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding is expected to recede from today's 121 cfs, toward roughly 107 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 70-163 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 Michigan 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.
Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding
The river is fed by several smaller creeks and streams, including the East Branch Ontonagon River. There are no major dams on the river; however, there are some small impoundments in the area that may affect water flow. The river flow is typically highest during the spring snowmelt and can experience periodic flooding. Interesting hydrological features in the area include Bond Falls, which is a popular tourist attraction and provides a scenic view of the river. Overall, the Middle Branch Ontonagon River is an important water resource for the surrounding communities and ecosystem.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding | 121 cfs |
| Bond Falls Canal Near Paulding | 91 cfs |
| Cisco Branch Ontonagon R At Cisco Lake Outlet | 18 cfs |
| Ontonagon River Near Rockland | 512 cfs |
| West Branch Ontonagon River Near Bergland | 56 cfs |
| Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw | 29 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding. 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 |
|---|---|
| Paulding | 0 in |
| Lac Vieux Desert | 0 in |
| Watersmeet 12wsw | 0 in |
| Land O Lakes | 0 in |
| Land O' Lakes 11.7 W | 0 in |
| Watton 2wsw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding.
Nearby reservoirs
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Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding
Where does the streamflow data for Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04033000. 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 Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding 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 Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding report
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