EAST NISHNABOTNA RIVER

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 2 streamgages of the East Nishnabotna River


Summary

Total streamflow across the East Nishnabotna River was last observed at 406 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 805 acre-ft of water today; about 165% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 246 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2025-06-26 when daily discharge volume was observed at 4,522 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak reporting a streamflow rate of 305 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the East Nishnabotna River, with a gauge stage of 6.1 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the East Nishnabotna River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,109 ft, the East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-04
Discharge Volume 805 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 406.0 cfs
-16.0 cfs (-3.79%)
Percent of Normal 164.94%
Maximum 4,522.0 cfs
2025-06-26
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
USGS 06809210
143 cfs 2.7 ft -1.38
East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak
USGS 06809500
305 cfs 6.1 ft 15.97
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

It flows for approximately 70 miles, beginning in Audubon County and ending at its confluence with the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County. The river was historically used for transportation and trade in the region. It is now primarily used for agriculture, with irrigation systems drawing water from the river. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Lake Anita Dam and the Lake Icaria Dam. These reservoirs provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The East Nishnabotna River is also home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and crappie.