Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw flow report

Michigan, USA USGS #04040500 ↗

As of July 15, 2026, Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw is flowing at 33 cfs with a gage height of 3.55 ft, rising 31% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04040500, refreshed throughout the day.

⚠ Air Quality Alert · Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 10:41AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Stale data This gauge hasn’t reported in days (last reading unknown). The readings below may not reflect current conditions.
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Right now · latest observation
Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw
USGS gauge #04040500
33 cfs streamflow
Latest reading from this gauge.
Gage height
3.55ft
Water temp
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% of median
Since yesterday
↑ 31%
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Conditions summary

Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw at a glance

How Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.

Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw is flowing at 33 cfs, with the water sitting 3.55 ft at the gage. Flow is up 31% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.

This is USGS gauge #04040500 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 40 cfs, peaking at 62 cfs.

For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Michigan flow report.

Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw on the map Open map →
Site IDUSGS 04040500
Last updated2026-07-14
Gage height, ft3.55 ft
Streamflow, ft³/s32.9 ft3/s
Stream water level elevation above NAVD 1988, in ft1218.05 ft
Max recorded4,120 cfs
Streamflow outlook

Streamflow Forecast

Over the next 5 days, Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw is expected to recede from today's 33 cfs, toward roughly 29 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 14-58 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.

Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.

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Historical context

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.

Detailed forecast

Weather Forecast

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day forecast

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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About this location

Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw

The river is fed by several small streams and tributaries, including the West Branch, East Branch, and Little Silver Creek. There are no major dams on the river. Seasonal trends show higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and lower flows in late summer and fall. The Sturgeon River is known for its clear water and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for kayaking and fishing. An interesting fact about the hydrology of the river is that it is home to several species of freshwater mussels, which are indicators of high water quality.

Regional streamflow

Nearby streamflow levels

Cross-check Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.

Regional snowpack

Nearby snowpack data

Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.

SNOTEL stationSnowpack
Covington 0 in
Watton 2wsw 0 in
Herman 0 in
Baraga 7nw 0 in
Three Lakes 0 in
Michigamme 3wnw 0 in
Nearby recreation

Plan a trip

Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw.

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 Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw in the Snoflo app

Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.

FAQ

About Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw

Where does the streamflow data for Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw come from?

Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04040500. 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 Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw 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.