Wisconsin River At Muscoda flow report
As of July 16, 2026, Wisconsin River At Muscoda is flowing at 6,550 cfs with a gage height of 1.74 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05407000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Wisconsin River At Muscoda at a glance
How Wisconsin River At Muscoda is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Wisconsin River At Muscoda is flowing at 6,550 cfs, with the water sitting 1.74 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #05407000 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 8,726 cfs, peaking at 12,100 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 #05407000).
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, Wisconsin River At Muscoda is expected to recede from today's 6550 cfs, toward roughly 5879 cfs by 2026-07-20 (likely range 3361-10283 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.
Wisconsin River At Muscoda
The river's flow is influenced by precipitation, snowmelt, and groundwater, which are the primary constituents that affect its water levels. There are several tributaries that contribute to the river's flow, including the Pine River, Kickapoo River, and Wisconsin River. The hydrology of the river is also impacted by the presence of dams, including the Castle Rock Dam and the Wisconsin Dells Dam. Seasonal trends show that the river's flow increases in spring and summer due to snowmelt and precipitation, respectively. Interestingly, the Wisconsin River is known for its unique geological features, including the Wisconsin Dells, a popular tourist attraction that consists of sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Wisconsin River At Muscoda's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin River At Muscoda | 6,550 cfs |
| Kickapoo River At Steuben | 640 cfs |
| Kickapoo River At La Farge | 217 cfs |
| Platte River Near Rockville | 147 cfs |
| Black Earth Creek At Black Earth | 38 cfs |
| Kickapoo River At State Highway 33 At Ontario | 149 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Wisconsin River At Muscoda. 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 |
|---|---|
| Gays Mills | 0 in |
| Dodgeville | 0 in |
| Hillsboro 2sw | 0 in |
| Darlington | 0 in |
| Lock & Dam 10 | 0 in |
| Cashton 3nnw | 0 in |
Plan a trip
Reservoirs, boat launches, river runs, and fishing spots within driving distance of Wisconsin River At Muscoda.
Boat launches
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River runs
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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 Wisconsin River At Muscoda in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Wisconsin River At Muscoda crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Wisconsin River At Muscoda
Where does the streamflow data for Wisconsin River At Muscoda come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05407000. 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 Wisconsin River At Muscoda 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 Wisconsin River At Muscoda report
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