Cannonball River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Cannonball River was last observed at 140 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 278 acre-ft of water today; about 131% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 107 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2019-03-29 when daily discharge volume was observed at 26,030 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Cannonball River At Breien reporting a streamflow rate of 95.8 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Cannonball River At Regent with a gauge stage of 4.85 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Cannonball River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,436 ft, the Cannonball River At Regent.

The river is named after the cannonball concretions found along its banks. The river has played an important role in Native American history, serving as a primary water source for the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The river is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Heart Butte Dam and the Cannon Ball-Mandan Canal. These structures provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control to nearby agricultural lands. The Cannonball River also offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. However, the river gained national attention during the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, where protesters argued that the pipeline would harm the river and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's water supply.