Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee is flowing at 4 cfs with a gage height of 6.00 ft, rising 6% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #04087159, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee at a glance
How Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee is flowing at 4 cfs, with the water sitting 6.00 ft at the gage. Flow is up 6% since yesterday — a rising hydrograph.
This is USGS gauge #04087159 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 4 cfs, peaking at 5 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11Th Street @ Milwaukee is expected to recede from today's 4 cfs, toward roughly 3 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 1-8 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Wisconsin flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
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.
Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee
11th Street in Milwaukee, WI streamgauge is an important waterway that provides water for various constituents, including wildlife, recreation, and industrial uses. The Kinnickinnic River is a tributary of the Milwaukee River and has several tributaries, including the Menomonee River, which flows into Lake Michigan. The hydrology of the Kinnickinnic River is affected by seasonal trends, with water levels typically higher in spring and lower in summer. Interestingly, the Kinnickinnic River has several dams, including the Chase Ave Dam, which is a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities. Overall, the Kinnickinnic River is an essential waterway in Milwaukee and a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee | 4 cfs |
| Milwaukee R @ Jones Island Mouth-At Milwaukee | 94 cfs |
| Wilson Park Creek @ Gmia Outfall #7 @ Milwaukee | 0 cfs |
| Menomonee River At Wauwatosa | 23 cfs |
| Honey Creek At Wauwatosa | 1 cfs |
| Root River At Grange Avenue At Greenfield | 1 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee. 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 |
|---|---|
| Brookfield | 0 in |
| Big Bend | 0 in |
| Germantown | 0 in |
| Jackson | 0 in |
| Sewage Disposal Plant | 0 in |
| Water Pollution Control Plant | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee.
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 Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee
Where does the streamflow data for Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 04087159. 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 Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee 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 Kinnickinnic River @ S. 11th Street @ Milwaukee report
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