James River Near Mitchell flow report
As of July 14, 2026, James River Near Mitchell is flowing at 510 cfs with a gage height of 11.91 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06478000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
James River Near Mitchell at a glance
How James River Near Mitchell is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
James River Near Mitchell is flowing at 510 cfs, with the water sitting 11.91 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #06478000 in South Dakota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 686 cfs, peaking at 924 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, James R Near Mitchell Sd is expected to hold near today's 529 cfs, toward roughly 515 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 206-1290 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.
James River Near Mitchell
Near Mitchell SD stream gauge provides data on water flow in the James River, which primarily receives its water from precipitation and snow melt. The river is fed by several tributaries, including the Turtle Creek and the Pipestem Creek, and passes through several dams such as the Lake Poinsett Dam. Seasonally, the river experiences higher flows in the spring due to snow melting and precipitation, while flows decrease in the drier summer months. The hydrology of the James River is affected by land use changes, such as increased agriculture and urbanization, which can alter the timing and amount of water flow. Interesting fact: The James River is named after Dakota Territory governor James W. Nye.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check James River Near Mitchell's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| James R Near Mitchell Sd | 510 cfs |
| Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd | 0 cfs |
| James R Near Forestburg Sd | 661 cfs |
| James R Near Scotland Sd | 857 cfs |
| West Fork Vermillion R Near Parker Sd | 0 cfs |
| East Fork Vermillion River Near Parker | 40 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near James River Near Mitchell. 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 |
|---|---|
| Mitchell-29mi.Ese | 0 in |
| Howard | 0 in |
| Huron-18mi.E | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of James River Near Mitchell.
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 James River Near Mitchell in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when James River Near Mitchell crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About James River Near Mitchell
Where does the streamflow data for James River Near Mitchell come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06478000. 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 James River Near Mitchell 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 James River Near Mitchell report
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