Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells is flowing at 5,500 cfs with a gage height of 3.25 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05404000, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells at a glance
How Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells is flowing at 5,500 cfs, with the water sitting 3.25 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #05404000 in Wisconsin. Over the past 10 days the average has been 5,121 cfs, peaking at 6,120 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 #05404000).
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 Near Wisconsin Dells is expected to recede from today's 5500 cfs, toward roughly 4762 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 2700-8399 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.
Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells
It has an average flow of 3,000 cubic feet per second and is considered a major source of drinking water for the state. Its main constituents are the snowmelt and rainfall that occurs in its watershed. The river is fed by several tributaries, including the Lemonweir and Baraboo rivers. There are also several dams on the river, the most notable being the Petenwell and Castle Rock dams. The river experiences seasonal trends, with the highest flows typically occurring in spring due to snowmelt. Interestingly, the Wisconsin River was once known as the "Father of Waters" and is home to several species of fish, including walleye and northern pike.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells | 5,500 cfs |
| Baraboo River Near Baraboo | 300 cfs |
| Lemonweir River At New Lisbon | 312 cfs |
| Black Earth Creek At Black Earth | 38 cfs |
| Yellow River At Necedah | 163 cfs |
| Brewery Creek-Upstream Site-At Cross Plains | 1 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells. 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 |
|---|---|
| Baraboo Wwtp | 0 in |
| Friendship | 0 in |
| Hillsboro 2sw | 0 in |
| Hancock Exp Farm | 8 in |
| Madison | 0 in |
| Columbus | 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 Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells 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 Near Wisconsin Dells crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells
Where does the streamflow data for Wisconsin River Near Wisconsin Dells come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05404000. 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 Near Wisconsin Dells 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 Near Wisconsin Dells report
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