Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap is flowing at 27 cfs with a gage height of 1.94 ft, receding 23% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06402600, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap at a glance
How Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap is flowing at 27 cfs, with the water sitting 1.94 ft at the gage. Flow is down 23% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #06402600 in South Dakota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 43 cfs, peaking at 55 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the South Dakota flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Cheyenne R Near Buffalo Gap Sd is expected to hold near today's 36 cfs, toward roughly 36 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 20-64 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.
Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap
The Cheyenne River is a major tributary of the Missouri River, and its flow is largely dependent on snowmelt and precipitation. The gauge provides data on water levels and flow rates, which are used by various entities for flood control and water management purposes. There are no major dams on the Cheyenne River near Buffalo Gap, but there are several smaller tributaries that can affect flow rates. Seasonal trends in flow are largely dependent on precipitation patterns, with the highest flows occurring in the spring and early summer. Interesting fact: The Cheyenne River is named after the Cheyenne Native American tribe, who traditionally hunted and fished along its banks.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne R Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 27 cfs |
| Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd | 257 cfs |
| Cheyenne River At Redshirt | 44 cfs |
| Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd | 0 cfs |
| Fall R At Hot Springs Sd | 42 cfs |
| Beaver Creek Near Pringle | 5 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap. 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 |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs | 0 in |
| Custer | 0 in |
| Hill City | 0 in |
| Chadron 3sw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap.
Boat launches
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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 Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap
Where does the streamflow data for Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06402600. 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 Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap 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 Cheyenne River Near Buffalo Gap report
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