Flow report
South Dakota River Levels & Streamflow
As of Aug 2, 2026, South Dakota rivers are running at 59% of normal across 97 USGS gauges — the highest is 1,040 cfs on the Little Minnesota River Near Peever. Live discharge, gauge height, and percent-of-normal for every USGS streamgauge in South Dakota.
USGS gauges
97
State percent normal
59%
Paddle runs
0
Updated
Aug 2
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Every USGS streamgauge filtered to South Dakota.
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August
2
2026
Flow briefing
Streamflow levels across South Dakota are currently 59% of normal, with the Little Minnesota River Near Peever reporting the highest discharge in the state at 1,040 cfs and a gauge stage of 15.12 ft.
Meanwhile, the Little Minnesota River Near Peever is seeing a spike today — up 4482% since yesterday and currently running near peak.
Tap any gauge below for the full hydrograph, paired weather forecast, and historical context. Use the rivers panel to jump into South Dakota's named rivers.
River levels near South Dakota towns
Active weather warnings for South Dakota
South Dakota is experiencing significant heat and fire weather concerns on August 2nd. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Jones, Stanley, Corson, and Dewey Counties in central SD, with heat index values reaching 103°F, while western South Dakota faces even more dangerous conditions with heat indices up to 105°F. Additionally, a Special Weather Statement warns of critically dry conditions west of the Missouri River with humidity dropping to 20-30%, combined with southerly wind gusts of 30-40 mph. This dangerous combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds creates elevated fire weather concerns with potential for rapid fire spread. Residents across the state should take precautions against heat illness, avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and remain vigilant for rapidly developing wildfires. Those in affected counties should monitor local emergency alerts closely.
South Dakota at a glance
State-wide streamflow overview
The South Dakota flow picture in four data points -- where the state sits versus historical norms, what's flowing hardest, and what's spiking fastest.
Percent of normal
59%
100% is the historical norm. Below 70% indicates drought; above 130% can flag elevated flood risk.
Highest discharge
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
1,040 cfs
Gauge stage 15.12 ft
Biggest 24h spike
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
+4482%
Now 1,040 cfs
Network coverage
Gauges + rivers tracked
97 + 0
USGS gauges feeding 0 named rivers in South Dakota.
Full streamgauge inventory
South Dakota USGS streamgauges
Every USGS gauge Snoflo tracks in South Dakota. Sortable, quickly filterable. Numeric columns heat-mapped from light to deep. Tap any gauge for its full hydrograph and forecast.
| Streamgage | Streamflow | Gage height | Water temp | Air temp | Elevation | Watershed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Little Minnesota River Near Peever, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 05290000 |
1,120 cfs | 15.38 ft | · | 65°F | 1,015 ft | Upper Minnesota |
|
James R Near Forestburg Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06477000 |
518 cfs | 6.36 ft | · | 65°F | 1,214 ft | Lower James |
|
James R Near Redfield Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06475000 |
470 cfs | 5.61 ft | · | 64°F | 1,264 ft | Middle James |
|
James R Near Scotland Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06478500 |
461 cfs | 5.03 ft | · | 64°F | 1,187 ft | Lower James |
|
Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 05050000 |
453 cfs | 6.42 ft | · | 65°F | 968 ft | Bois De Sioux |
|
James R At Huron Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06476000 |
453 cfs | 9.64 ft | · | 65°F | 1,233 ft | Middle James |
|
James R Near Mitchell Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06478000 |
448 cfs | 11.55 ft | · | 64°F | 1,206 ft | Lower James |
|
James R At Ashton Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06473000 |
446 cfs | 5.84 ft | · | 60°F | 1,271 ft | Middle James |
|
James River Nr Yankton Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06478513 |
427 cfs | 3.97 ft | · | 59°F | 1,164 ft | Lower James |
|
James R Near Stratford Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06472000 |
390 cfs | 9.01 ft | · | 65°F | 1,276 ft | Upper James |
|
Big Sioux River Near Bruce, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06479770 |
329 cfs | 4.62 ft | · | 57°F | 1,630 ft | Upper Big Sioux |
|
Big Sioux River Near Brookings Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06480000 |
261 cfs | 3.09 ft | · | 60°F | 1,562 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Big Sioux R Near Dell Rapids Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06481000 |
231 cfs | 3.76 ft | · | 61°F | 1,464 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Big Sioux R At North Cliff Ave At Sioux Falls Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06482020 |
222 cfs | 5.52 ft | · | 58°F | 1,303 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
James R At Columbia Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06471000 |
218 cfs | 7.05 ft | · | 64°F | 1,287 ft | Upper James |
|
Belle Fourche R Near Sturgis Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06437000 |
212 cfs | 3.35 ft | · | 72°F | 2,546 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Big Sioux R At Sioux Falls Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06482000 |
198 cfs | 1.91 ft | · | 63°F | 1,395 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Cheyenne R Near Plainview Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06438500 |
191 cfs | 8.49 ft | 60°F | 71°F | 1,865 ft | Lower Cheyenne |
|
Whetstone River Near Big Stone City, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 05291000 |
175 cfs | 2.83 ft | · | 65°F | 1,017 ft | Upper Minnesota |
|
Big Sioux R Near Castlewood Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06479525 |
161 cfs | 5.93 ft | · | 63°F | 1,682 ft | Upper Big Sioux |
|
Belle Fourche River Near Elm Springs, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06438000 |
135 cfs | 4.52 ft | · | 73°F | 2,180 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
White R Near Kadoka Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06447000 |
122 cfs | 4.46 ft | · | 70°F | 2,131 ft | Middle White |
|
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06464100 |
122 cfs | 5.57 ft | · | 63°F | 2,220 ft | Keya Paha |
|
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06464500 |
113 cfs | 2.68 ft | · | 62°F | 2,053 ft | Keya Paha |
|
White River Near White River, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06447450 |
109 cfs | 3.88 ft | · | 64°F | 1,775 ft | Middle White |
|
Little White R Below White River Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06450500 |
102 cfs | 1.95 ft | · | 72°F | 1,927 ft | Little White |
|
Belle Fourche R At Wy-Sd State Line, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06428500 |
94 cfs | 4.37 ft | · | 71°F | 3,103 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06449500 |
90 cfs | 4.06 ft | · | 70°F | 2,305 ft | Little White |
|
Inlet Canal Above Belle Fourche Reservoir Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06434505 |
90 cfs | 4.65 ft | · | 67°F | 2,985 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Rapid Cr Below Pactola Dam Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06411500 |
79 cfs | 7.78 ft | · | 68°F | 4,420 ft | Rapid |
|
James River At Nd-Sd State Line, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06470878 |
79 cfs | 88.39 ft | 32°F | 60°F | 1,290 ft | Upper James |
|
Cheyenne River Near Wasta, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06423500 |
75 cfs | · | · | 76°F | 2,269 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Elk |
|
White R Near Oacoma Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06452000 |
71 cfs | 7.65 ft | · | 66°F | 1,394 ft | Lower White |
|
South Fork Grand R Near Cash Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06356500 |
65 cfs | 1.51 ft | · | 69°F | 2,425 ft | South Fork Grand |
|
Big Sioux R At Watertown Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06479500 |
65 cfs | 4.82 ft | · | 63°F | 1,717 ft | Upper Big Sioux |
|
Rapid Cr At Rapid City Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06414000 |
63 cfs | 3.69 ft | · | 76°F | 3,246 ft | Rapid |
|
Rapid Cr Above Canyon Lake Near Rapid City Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06412500 |
59 cfs | 2.33 ft | 35°F | 82°F | 3,416 ft | Rapid |
|
Cheyenne R Near Buffalo Gap Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06402600 |
57 cfs | 2.28 ft | · | 70°F | 2,820 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06471800 |
53 cfs | 6.00 ft | · | 64°F | 1,329 ft | Upper James |
|
Cheyenne River At Redshirt, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06403700 |
52 cfs | 9.44 ft | 79°F | 72°F | 2,670 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Redwater River Above Belle Fourche Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06433000 |
47 cfs | 2.58 ft | · | 69°F | 3,018 ft | Redwater |
|
Fall R At Hot Springs Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06402000 |
47 cfs | · | · | 70°F | 3,430 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Spearfish Cr At Spearfish Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06431500 |
39 cfs | 4.81 ft | · | 86°F | 3,669 ft | Redwater |
|
Big Sioux R Near Watertown Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06479438 |
36 cfs | 4.48 ft | · | 64°F | 1,742 ft | Upper Big Sioux |
|
Little White R Near Vetal Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06449100 |
28 cfs | 3.10 ft | 42°F | 69°F | 2,789 ft | Little White |
|
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06357800 |
25 cfs | 2.44 ft | · | 65°F | 1,640 ft | Grand |
|
Belle Fourche R Near Fruitdale Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06436000 |
23 cfs | 1.75 ft | · | 67°F | 2,940 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
White R Near Interior Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06446500 |
22 cfs | 3.58 ft | · | 77°F | 2,300 ft | Middle White |
|
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06479010 |
21 cfs | 1.50 ft | · | 62°F | 1,137 ft | Vermillion |
|
Rapid Cr Near Farmingdale Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06421500 |
20 cfs | 5.31 ft | · | 72°F | 2,711 ft | Rapid |
|
Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06430770 |
17 cfs | 7.50 ft | · | 68°F | 5,312 ft | Redwater |
|
Rapid Cr Above Pactola Res At Silver City, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06410500 |
17 cfs | 4.54 ft | · | 62°F | 4,628 ft | Rapid |
|
Redwater Cr At Wy-Sd State Line, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06430500 |
17 cfs | 2.67 ft | · | 75°F | 3,424 ft | Redwater |
|
Elm R At Westport Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06471500 |
16 cfs | 4.32 ft | · | 64°F | 1,323 ft | Elm |
|
Little Spearfish Creek Near Lead, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06430850 |
14 cfs | 4.67 ft | · | 66°F | 5,053 ft | Redwater |
|
Murray Ditch Ab Headgate At Wy-Sd State Line, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06429997 |
14 cfs | 1.78 ft | · | 75°F | 3,457 ft | Redwater |
|
Castle Cr Below Deerfield Dam Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06410000 |
10 cfs | 3.50 ft | · | 65°F | 5,795 ft | Rapid |
|
Cleghorn Springs At Rapid City, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06412810 |
10 cfs | 2.68 ft | · | 82°F | 3,371 ft | Rapid |
|
Castle Cr Above Deerfield Res Near Hill City Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06409000 |
9 cfs | 2.75 ft | · | 66°F | 5,929 ft | Rapid |
|
Split Rock Cr At Corson Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06482610 |
8 cfs | 1.72 ft | · | 61°F | 1,307 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Little White R Near Martin Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06447500 |
7 cfs | · | · | 70°F | 3,069 ft | Little White |
|
East Fork Vermillion River Near Parker, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06478600 |
5 cfs | 5.19 ft | · | 63°F | 1,328 ft | Vermillion |
|
Skunk Cr At Sioux Falls Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06481500 |
5 cfs | 2.28 ft | · | 59°F | 1,411 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Rhoads Fork Near Rochford Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06408700 |
4 cfs | 3.75 ft | · | 64°F | 5,981 ft | Rapid |
|
Whitewood Cr Above Whitewood, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06436180 |
4 cfs | · | · | 79°F | 3,681 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06402500 |
3 cfs | 4.20 ft | · | 70°F | 3,161 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Bear In The Lodge Cr Near Wanblee Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06446700 |
3 cfs | 1.45 ft | · | 75°F | 2,526 ft | Middle White |
|
Little Missouri R At Camp Crook Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06334500 |
3 cfs | 1.68 ft | · | 69°F | 3,102 ft | Upper Little Missouri |
|
Lake Cr Below Refuge Near Tuthill Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06449000 |
3 cfs | 2.57 ft | · | 71°F | 2,991 ft | Little White |
|
Big Sioux River Nr Florence Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06479215 |
2 cfs | 2.57 ft | · | 64°F | 1,787 ft | Upper Big Sioux |
|
Flandreau Cr Above Flandreau Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06480650 |
2 cfs | 4.30 ft | · | 60°F | 1,571 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06441500 |
2 cfs | 1.09 ft | · | 72°F | 1,437 ft | Bad |
|
Battle Cr At Hermosa Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06406000 |
2 cfs | 2.51 ft | · | 74°F | 3,284 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Whitewood Creek Near Whitewood Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06436190 |
1 cfs | 5.35 ft | · | 72°F | 3,173 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Bear Butte Creek Near Deadwood, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06437020 |
1 cfs | 3.62 ft | · | 72°F | 4,753 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
Cheyenne R Below Angostura Dam Sd, Sd
2 days ago · USGS 06401500 |
1 cfs | 2.88 ft | · | 63°F | 3,065 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Moreau R Near Faith Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06359500 |
1 cfs | · | · | 73°F | 2,248 ft | Lower Moreau |
|
French Cr Above Fairburn Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06403300 |
1 cfs | · | · | 73°F | 3,825 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Boxelder Cr Near Nemo Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06422500 |
1 cfs | 1.25 ft | · | 68°F | 4,334 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Elk |
|
Cheyenne R At Edgemont Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06395000 |
0 cfs | · | · | 70°F | 3,422 ft | Angostura Reservoir |
|
Grace Coolidge Cr Nr Game Lodge Nr Custer Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06404998 |
0 cfs | 6.60 ft | · | 76°F | 4,125 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Platte Creek Near Platte, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06452320 |
0 cfs | 1.43 ft | · | 67°F | 1,373 ft | Fort Randall Reservoir |
|
Elk Cr Near Elm Springs Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06425500 |
0 cfs | 3.48 ft | · | 76°F | 2,322 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Elk |
|
West Fork Vermillion R Near Parker Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06478690 |
0 cfs | · | · | 59°F | 1,350 ft | Vermillion |
|
White R Nr Ne-Sd State Line, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06445685 |
0 cfs | 3.36 ft | · | 73°F | 3,041 ft | Upper White |
|
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd, Sd
12 hours ago · USGS 06477500 |
0 cfs | 2.07 ft | · | 65°F | 1,304 ft | Lower James |
|
Skunk Cr Nr Chester Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06481480 |
0 cfs | · | · | 61°F | 1,563 ft | Lower Big Sioux |
|
Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06400875 |
0 cfs | 1.89 ft | · | 71°F | 3,315 ft | Angostura Reservoir |
|
Hat Cr Near Edgemont Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06400000 |
0 cfs | 6.56 ft | · | 70°F | 3,301 ft | Hat |
|
Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06406500 |
0 cfs | 1.84 ft | · | 71°F | 2,810 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Battle Cr Near Keystone Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06404000 |
0 cfs | 3.14 ft | · | 76°F | 3,815 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Spring Cr Near Keystone Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06407500 |
0 cfs | 3.27 ft | · | 77°F | 3,898 ft | Middle Cheyenne-Spring |
|
Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd, Sd
14 hours ago · USGS 06436198 |
0 cfs | · | · | 68°F | 2,857 ft | Lower Belle Fourche |
|
North Fork Grand R Near White Butte Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06355500 |
0 cfs | · | · | 68°F | 2,318 ft | North Fork Grand |
|
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06360500 |
0 cfs | 1.45 ft | · | 65°F | 1,670 ft | Lower Moreau |
|
South Fork Bad R Near Cottonwood Sd, Sd
13 hours ago · USGS 06440200 |
0 cfs | 3.83 ft | · | 72°F | 2,253 ft | Bad |
|
White R Near Oglala Sd, Sd
2 days ago · USGS 06446000 |
0 cfs | 5.46 ft | · | 72°F | 2,880 ft | Upper White |
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Flow report FAQ
About South Dakota streamflow
What are river levels like in South Dakota right now?
As of August 2, 2026, South Dakota rivers are running at 59% of normal across 97 USGS streamgauges, and the Little Minnesota River Near Peever is reporting the highest discharge at 1,040 cfs. The full sortable gauge table is below.
Which South Dakota river is running highest right now?
As of August 2, 2026, the highest discharge in South Dakota is 1,040 cfs on the Little Minnesota River Near Peever. See the sortable gauge table for the full statewide ranking.
Are South Dakota rivers high or low right now?
Compare the statewide percent-of-normal on this page: above 100% means South Dakota rivers are running higher than the seasonal average for the date, below 100% means lower (a dry spell or drought). Each gauge also shows its own percent of median.
Where does the South Dakota streamflow data come from?
The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes) and the data is the canonical real-time record for U.S. rivers. Snoflo pulls the latest readings and joins them to a 7-day NOAA weather forecast for each station.
What is cfs?
Cubic feet per second — the standard unit for streamflow. One cfs is about 7.5 gallons per second. Small creeks run at single-digit cfs; the Mississippi at hundreds of thousands.
What does Gauge Height mean?
The water level at the gauge in feet above the reference datum. Used together with discharge to track river state. Flood stage and runnable levels are typically expressed in gauge height (e.g., "flood at 16 ft").
How fresh is the South Dakota data?
USGS streamgauges report every 15 minutes; Snoflo re-pulls throughout the day. The AI briefing regenerates daily.
Can I get a flow alert for a South Dakota gauge?
Yes. Save any USGS gauge as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a discharge or stage threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 2,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Is this a substitute for an NWS flood warning?
No. Snoflo is informational. For flood life-safety decisions always follow guidance from your local NWS forecast office and state emergency management. Snoflo data is one input among several.
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