South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne flow report
As of July 15, 2026, South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne is flowing at 220 cfs with a gage height of 4.81 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04135700, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne at a glance
How South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne is flowing at 220 cfs, with the water sitting 4.81 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #04135700 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 252 cfs, peaking at 286 cfs.
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
Over the next 5 days, South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne is expected to recede from today's 220 cfs, toward roughly 194 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 153-246 cfs) -- about 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.
South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne
The river is fed by several tributaries, including the East Branch, West Branch, and North Branch, and flows into Lake Huron. There are no major dams on the South Branch, but several smaller ones exist upstream. The river experiences seasonal trends with higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation, and lower flows in the summer and fall. Interesting facts about the hydrology of the river include its popularity for fly fishing and the presence of endangered species such as the Michigan grayling.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne | 220 cfs |
| Au Sable River Near Red Oak | 950 cfs |
| Au Sable River At Mio | 1,050 cfs |
| Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley | 1,220 cfs |
| Au Sable River Near Curtisville | 1,210 cfs |
| Pigeon R At Sturgeon Valley Rd Near Vanderbilt | 85 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne. 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 |
|---|---|
| Mio Wwtp | 0 in |
| Roscommon County Airport | 7 in |
| Snow Paid Observer For Khtl | 8 in |
| Gaylord 9ssw | 0 in |
| Gaylord 4.1 S | 0 in |
| West Branch 2.1 Ssw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne.
Boat launches
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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 South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne
Where does the streamflow data for South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04135700. 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 South Branch Au Sable River Near Luzerne 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.
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