Heart River

Total streamflow across the Heart River was last observed at 311 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 618 acre-ft of water today; about 24% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 1,276 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2014-04-09 when daily discharge volume was observed at 28,030 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Heart River Nr Mandan reporting a streamflow rate of 149 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Heart River, with a gauge stage of 9.91 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Heart River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 2,452 ft, the Heart River Nr South Heart.

It was named by early French explorers who saw the river as having the shape of a heart. The river is known for its scenic beauty, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities. The hydrology of the river is heavily influenced by the Garrison Dam, which was built in the 1950s and created Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The Heart River also flows through the city of Dickinson, where it is used for irrigation and agriculture. The river has a long history, with evidence of human habitation along its banks dating back thousands of years. Today, the Heart River remains an important resource for the people of North Dakota, providing water for irrigation, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.