Ontonagon River Near Rockland flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Ontonagon River Near Rockland is flowing at 584 cfs with a gage height of 5.45 ft, rising 17% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04040000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Ontonagon River Near Rockland at a glance
How Ontonagon River Near Rockland is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Ontonagon River Near Rockland is flowing at 584 cfs, with the water sitting 5.45 ft at the gage. Flow is up 17% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #04040000 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 554 cfs, peaking at 599 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Michigan flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #04040000).
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.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Ontonagon River Near Rockland is expected to hold near today's 584 cfs, toward roughly 538 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 361-802 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.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
Ontonagon River Near Rockland
The river is fed by numerous small streams and tributaries, and there are no significant dams along its length. The river's flow is highest during the spring snowmelt and lowest in the late summer and fall. One interesting fact about the Ontonagon River is that it flows through the Porcupine Mountains, which is a popular hiking and camping destination in Michigan. Overall, this river is an important feature of the local ecosystem and a valuable resource for the surrounding communities.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Ontonagon River Near Rockland's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Ontonagon River Near Rockland | 584 cfs |
| West Branch Ontonagon River Near Bergland | 52 cfs |
| Bond Falls Canal Near Paulding | 91 cfs |
| Sturgeon River Near Alston | 166 cfs |
| Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding | 108 cfs |
| Presque Isle River Near Tula | 66 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Ontonagon River Near Rockland. 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 |
|---|---|
| Nohrsc Ontonagon 1.8 Ese | 0 in |
| Twin Lakes 0.2 Sw | 19 in |
| Paulding | 0 in |
| Baraga 7nw | 0 in |
| Watton 2wsw | 0 in |
| Covington | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Ontonagon River Near Rockland.
Nearby reservoirs
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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 Ontonagon River Near Rockland in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Ontonagon River Near Rockland crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Ontonagon River Near Rockland
Where does the streamflow data for Ontonagon River Near Rockland come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04040000. 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 Ontonagon River Near Rockland 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 Ontonagon River Near Rockland report
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