James River Near Yankton flow report
As of July 14, 2026, James River Near Yankton is flowing at 1,540 cfs with a gage height of 3.90 ft, rising 52% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06478513, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
James River Near Yankton at a glance
How James River Near Yankton is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
James River Near Yankton is flowing at 1,540 cfs, with the water sitting 3.90 ft at the gage. Flow is up 52% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #06478513 in South Dakota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 1,137 cfs, peaking at 1,540 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 River Nr Yankton Sd is expected to hold near today's 1010 cfs, toward roughly 945 cfs by 2026-07-18 (likely range 171-5226 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.
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 Yankton
The James River is fed by several tributaries including the Pipestone Creek and the Vermillion River. The Lewis and Clark Lake, a dam located upstream, can impact the flow of the James River. The river experiences seasonal trends with higher flows in the spring due to snowmelt and lower flows in the summer. The James River is important for recreation and supports a variety of fish species including walleye, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Additionally, the river has a history of flooding, including a major flood in 2011.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check James River Near Yankton's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| James River Nr Yankton Sd | 1,540 cfs |
| James R Near Scotland Sd | 857 cfs |
| Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd | 63 cfs |
| West Fork Vermillion R Near Parker Sd | 0 cfs |
| Bazile Creek Near Niobrara | 38 cfs |
| East Fork Vermillion River Near Parker | 40 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near James River Near Yankton. 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 |
|---|---|
| Centerville | 0 in |
| Crofton | 0 in |
| Mitchell-29mi.Ese | 0 in |
| Big Sioux River | 0 in |
| Canton | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of James River Near Yankton.
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 Yankton 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 Yankton crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About James River Near Yankton
Where does the streamflow data for James River Near Yankton come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06478513. 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 Yankton 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 Yankton report
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