Rapid Cr At Rapid City flow report
As of July 15, 2026, Rapid Cr At Rapid City is flowing at 50 cfs with a gage height of 3.58 ft, receding 22% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #06414000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Rapid Cr At Rapid City at a glance
How Rapid Cr At Rapid City is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Rapid Cr At Rapid City is flowing at 50 cfs, with the water sitting 3.58 ft at the gage. Flow is down 22% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #06414000 in South Dakota. Over the past 10 days the average has been 73 cfs, peaking at 89 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.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #06414000).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Rapid Cr At Rapid City Sd is expected to hold near today's 50 cfs, toward roughly 48 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 17-133 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.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
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.
Rapid Cr At Rapid City
The flow is affected by seasonal changes and snowmelt from the Black Hills. The gauge provides data to several constituents, including the National Weather Service and the United States Geological Survey. There are several dams on the Rapid Creek, including Pactola Dam and Canyon Lake Dam. The hydrology of Rapid Creek is interesting because it has experienced flash flooding in the past, including a devastating flood in 1972 that claimed 238 lives. The gauge is important for monitoring potential flooding events and managing the water supply for the surrounding area.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Rapid Cr At Rapid City's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Rapid Cr At Rapid City Sd | 50 cfs |
| Cleghorn Springs At Rapid City | 9 cfs |
| Rapid Cr Above Canyon Lake Near Rapid City Sd | 51 cfs |
| Rapid Cr Bl Sewage Treatment Pl Nr Rapid City | 40 cfs |
| Spring Cr Near Keystone Sd | 0 cfs |
| Boxelder Cr Near Nemo Sd | 2 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Rapid Cr At Rapid City. 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 |
|---|---|
| Hereford 12sw | 4 in |
| Hill City | 0 in |
| Sturgis 7e South Dakota Mesonet | 0 in |
| Fort Meade | 0 in |
| Custer | 0 in |
| Nohrsc North Rapid Creek (Snotel) | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Rapid Cr At Rapid City.
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 Rapid Cr At Rapid City in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Rapid Cr At Rapid City crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Rapid Cr At Rapid City
Where does the streamflow data for Rapid Cr At Rapid City come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 06414000. 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 Rapid Cr At Rapid City 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 Rapid Cr At Rapid City report
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