Prairie River Near Merrill Flow Report
As of July 23, 2026, Prairie River Near Merrill is flowing at 104 cfs with a gage height of 1.98 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05394500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Prairie River Near Merrill at a glance
How Prairie River Near Merrill is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Prairie River Near Merrill is flowing at 104 cfs, with the water sitting 1.98 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #05394500 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 115 cfs, peaking at 145 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 #05394500).
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, Prairie River Near Merrill is expected to hold near today's 104 cfs, toward roughly 95 cfs by 2026-07-27 (likely range 61-149 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.
| 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.
Prairie River Near Merrill
The primary flow contributors to this river include precipitation and snowmelt. The river has a few notable tributaries, including the Pine River and the Tomahawk River, but no major dams. Seasonal trends show higher flow during spring and early summer due to snowmelt and precipitation. Interesting facts about this river include the presence of several rare fish species, including the longnose gar and the river redhorse, and it is a popular spot for recreational kayaking and fishing.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Prairie River Near Merrill's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Prairie River Near Merrill | 104 cfs |
| Wisconsin River At Merrill | 1,500 cfs |
| Spirit River At Spirit Falls | 7 cfs |
| Rib River At Rib Falls | 35 cfs |
| Eau Claire River At Kelly | 89 cfs |
| Wisconsin River At Rothschild | 1,820 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Prairie River Near Merrill. 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 |
|---|---|
| Merrill-4 W | 0 in |
| Rice Reservoir No. 2 | 0 in |
| Wausau Municipal Airport | 0 in |
| Antigo | 0 in |
| Rhinelander | 0 in |
| Rhinelander Wjfw Tv-12 | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Prairie River Near Merrill.
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 Prairie River Near Merrill in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Prairie River Near Merrill crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Prairie River Near Merrill
Where does the streamflow data for Prairie River Near Merrill come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05394500. 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 Prairie River Near Merrill 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 Prairie River Near Merrill report
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