Le Sueur River Near Rapidan flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Le Sueur River Near Rapidan is flowing at 774 cfs with a gage height of 7.33 ft, receding 22% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05320500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Le Sueur River Near Rapidan at a glance
How Le Sueur River Near Rapidan is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Le Sueur River Near Rapidan is flowing at 774 cfs, with the water sitting 7.33 ft at the gage. Flow is down 22% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05320500 in Minnesota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1,833 cfs, peaking at 3,340 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Minnesota flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #05320500).
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, Le Sueur River Near Rapidan is expected to recede from today's 774 cfs, toward roughly 624 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 134-2897 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.
Le Sueur River Near Rapidan
The river is fed by several tributaries, including Cobb River and the Blue Earth River. There are no major dams on the Le Sueur River, but there are several smaller ones used for irrigation purposes. The river experiences seasonal variation in flow, with higher levels in the spring due to snowmelt and precipitation. One interesting fact about the hydrology of the Le Sueur River is that it has been heavily impacted by agricultural practices, with increased runoff and sedimentation affecting water quality.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Le Sueur River Near Rapidan's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Le Sueur River Near Rapidan | 774 cfs |
| Blue Earth River Near Rapidan | 1,550 cfs |
| Minnesota River At Mankato | 5,450 cfs |
| Watonwan River Near Garden City | 364 cfs |
| Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland | 58 cfs |
| Cottonwood River Near New Ulm | 310 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Le Sueur River Near Rapidan. 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 |
|---|---|
| Blue Earth 1s | 0 in |
| Bricelyn | 0 in |
| Jordan 1ssw | 0 in |
| Brownton Wwtp | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Le Sueur River Near Rapidan.
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 Le Sueur River Near Rapidan in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Le Sueur River Near Rapidan crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Le Sueur River Near Rapidan
Where does the streamflow data for Le Sueur River Near Rapidan come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05320500. 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 Le Sueur River Near Rapidan 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 Le Sueur River Near Rapidan report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
- Save favorites — every river, lake & snowpack in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app