Sturgeon River Near Alston Flow Report
As of July 21, 2026, Sturgeon River Near Alston is flowing at 201 cfs with a gage height of 4.08 ft, rising 21% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04041500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Sturgeon River Near Alston at a glance
How Sturgeon River Near Alston is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Sturgeon River Near Alston is flowing at 201 cfs, with the water sitting 4.08 ft at the gage. Flow is up 21% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #04041500 in Michigan. Over the past 10 days the average has been 172 cfs, peaking at 201 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 #04041500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
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, Sturgeon River Near Alston is expected to recede from today's 166 cfs, toward roughly 144 cfs by 2026-07-25 (likely range 88-235 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.
| 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.
Sturgeon River Near Alston
The main flow provider for this stream is snowmelt, which creates a seasonal trend with higher flow rates in the spring and early summer. The river is also fed by several tributaries, including the Otter River and Otter Creek. There are several dams along the Sturgeon River, including the Otter River Dam and the Sturgeon Falls Dam, both of which regulate the water flow. The hydrology of this area is interesting because the Sturgeon River is known for its unique blue-green water color, caused by suspended clay particles. Additionally, the river is a popular destination for kayaking and fishing.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Sturgeon River Near Alston's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Sturgeon River Near Alston | 201 cfs |
| Sturgeon River Near Sidnaw | 55 cfs |
| Silver River Near L'Anse | 144 cfs |
| Ontonagon River Near Rockland | 584 cfs |
| Middle Branch Ontonagon River Near Paulding | 103 cfs |
| Bond Falls Canal Near Paulding | 91 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Sturgeon River Near Alston. 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 |
|---|---|
| Baraga 7nw | 0 in |
| Covington | 0 in |
| Watton 2wsw | 0 in |
| Twin Lakes 0.2 Sw | 19 in |
| Herman | 0 in |
| Painesdale | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Sturgeon River Near Alston.
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 Sturgeon River Near Alston 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 Alston crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Sturgeon River Near Alston
Where does the streamflow data for Sturgeon River Near Alston come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04041500. 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 Alston 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 Sturgeon River Near Alston report
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