Chippewa River Near Bruce Flow Report
As of July 20, 2026, Chippewa River Near Bruce is flowing at 529 cfs with a gage height of 1.71 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05356500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Chippewa River Near Bruce at a glance
How Chippewa River Near Bruce is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Chippewa River Near Bruce is flowing at 529 cfs, with the water sitting 1.71 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #05356500 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 552 cfs, peaking at 625 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Wisconsin flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #05356500).
Estimate flows at an ungauged site
Drainage-area ratio transfer from this gauge . Most reliable for hydrologically similar sites in the same watershed with area ratios between roughly 0.5 and 1.5.
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, Chippewa River Near Bruce is expected to hold near today's 543 cfs, toward roughly 542 cfs by 2026-07-24 (likely range 286-1027 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.
Chippewa River Near Bruce
The river is fed by several small streams and tributaries and is regulated by several dams, including the Holcombe Flowage Dam. The river experiences seasonal fluctuations in flow, with higher levels during spring snowmelt and precipitation events. Interesting hydrological features of the river include the presence of sandbars and islands, as well as occasional flooding events. The Chippewa River provides a habitat for various fish species, including walleye and smallmouth bass.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Chippewa River Near Bruce's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Chippewa River Near Bruce | 529 cfs |
| Flambeau River Near Bruce | 753 cfs |
| Jump River At Sheldon | 49 cfs |
| Chippewa River At Bishops Bridge Near Winter | 292 cfs |
| Red Cedar River Near Colfax | 617 cfs |
| Chippewa River At Chippewa Falls | 1,390 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Chippewa River Near Bruce. 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 |
|---|---|
| Couderay | 0 in |
| Hayward 4.4 Sse | 0 in |
| Cumberland | 0 in |
| Shell Lake 4.3 Sw | 0 in |
| Ranger Station | 0 in |
| Chippewa Valley Regional Airport | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Chippewa River Near Bruce.
Boat launches
See all →
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 Chippewa River Near Bruce in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Chippewa River Near Bruce crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Chippewa River Near Bruce
Where does the streamflow data for Chippewa River Near Bruce come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05356500. 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 Chippewa River Near Bruce 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 Chippewa River Near Bruce report
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