Platte River Near Grand Island flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Platte River Near Grand Island is flowing at 159 cfs with a gage height of 3.25 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06770500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Platte River Near Grand Island at a glance
How Platte River Near Grand Island is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Platte River Near Grand Island is flowing at 159 cfs, with the water sitting 3.25 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #06770500 in Nebraska. Over the past 10 days the average has been 217 cfs, peaking at 349 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Nebraska flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Platte River Near Grand Island is expected to recede from today's 159 cfs, toward roughly 140 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 20-1004 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.
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.
Platte River Near Grand Island
The stream gauge measures the river's flow, which is primarily provided by snowmelt and precipitation from the Rocky Mountains. The river has several tributaries, including the Loup River and Wood River, and is regulated by several dams, such as the Kingsley Dam. Seasonal trends show that the river's flow is highest in the spring due to snowmelt and decreases during the summer months. An interesting fact about the Platte River is that it is a critical stopover point for millions of migratory birds, including sandhill cranes, who stop to rest and feed along its banks.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Platte River Near Grand Island's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Platte River Near Grand Island | 159 cfs |
| Warm Slough Nr Central City | 0 cfs |
| Middle Loup R. At St. Paul | 390 cfs |
| South Loup R At St. Michael | 101 cfs |
| North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr | 584 cfs |
| Little Blue River Near Deweese | 48 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Platte River Near Grand Island. 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 |
|---|---|
| Grand Islan | 0 in |
| Central Nebraska Regional | 0 in |
| Hastings 4n | 0 in |
| Hastings Municipal Airport | 0 in |
| Hastings 2.1 Wnw | 0 in |
| Hastings 1.0 Ese | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Platte River Near Grand Island.
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 Platte River Near Grand Island in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Platte River Near Grand Island crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Platte River Near Grand Island
Where does the streamflow data for Platte River Near Grand Island come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06770500. 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 Platte River Near Grand Island 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 Platte River Near Grand Island report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app