Bad River Near Mellen flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Bad River Near Mellen is flowing at 101 cfs, receding 11% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04026450, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Bad River Near Mellen at a glance
How Bad River Near Mellen is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Bad River Near Mellen is flowing at 101 cfs, with the water sitting 2.05 ft at the gage. Flow is down 11% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #04026450 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 229 cfs, peaking at 546 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Wisconsin flow report.
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.
Bad River Near Mellen
The river is fed by several small tributaries and has several dams along its length. The flow of the river varies seasonally, with higher flows in the spring and lower flows in the winter. The Bad River is an important source of water for the surrounding communities and supports a diverse array of aquatic life. One quirky fact about the hydrology of the Bad River is that it has a unique geology that makes it one of the few rivers in the world that flows northward.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Bad River Near Mellen's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Bad River Near Mellen | 101 cfs |
| Bad River Near Odanah | 88 cfs |
| White River Near Ashland | 188 cfs |
| Whittlesey Creek Near Ashland | 20 cfs |
| North Fish Creek Near Moquah | 55 cfs |
| Namekagon River At Leonards | 67 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Bad River Near Mellen. 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 |
|---|---|
| Clam Lake 4w | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Clam Lake 4 W | 0 in |
| Upson | 0 in |
| Butternut 0.2 Nnw | 0 in |
| Butternut 5.9 Sw | 0 in |
| Ashland | 0 in |
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 Bad River Near Mellen in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bad River Near Mellen crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Bad River Near Mellen
Where does the streamflow data for Bad River Near Mellen come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04026450. 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 Bad River Near Mellen 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 Bad River Near Mellen report
Create your free account to track this river — and everything else you love on the water.
- Flow alerts — get pinged the moment this river hits your range
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- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app