Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls is flowing at 206 cfs with a gage height of 3.88 ft, receding 20% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05313500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls at a glance
How Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls is flowing at 206 cfs, with the water sitting 3.88 ft at the gage. Flow is down 20% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05313500 in Minnesota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 241 cfs, peaking at 335 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls is expected to recede from today's 259 cfs, toward roughly 161 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 29-905 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 Minnesota 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.
Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls
The river is fed by various small streams and tributaries, including the Lac qui Parle River, and is affected by several dams along its course. Seasonal trends show higher flow levels during the spring and early summer months due to snowmelt and increased rainfall. Interestingly, the Yellow Medicine River was named by the Dakota people after the yellow roots of the wild turnips that grow along its banks. The river has also played a significant role in the history and culture of the region, serving as a vital source of water and transportation for Native American tribes and early settlers.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls | 206 cfs |
| Minnesota River At Montevideo | 1,230 cfs |
| Redwood River Near Redwood Falls | 220 cfs |
| Chippewa River Near Watson | 394 cfs |
| Redwood River Near Marshall | 25 cfs |
| Minnesota River Near Lac Qui Parle | 821 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls. 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 |
|---|---|
| Dawson | 0 in |
| Bird Island 7sse | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls.
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 Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls
Where does the streamflow data for Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05313500. 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 Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls 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 Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls report
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