LITTLE BLUE RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 509 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 256.5 cfs
-249.2 cfs (-49.28%)
Percent of Normal 161.8%
Maximum 33,285.0 cfs
2015-05-08
Seasonal Avg 159 cfs

Total streamflow across the Little Blue River was last observed at 257 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 509 acre-ft of water today; about 162% of normal. River levels are high. Average streamflow for this time of year is 159 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-05-08 when daily discharge volume was observed at 33,285 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Little Blue River Near Lake City reporting a streamflow rate of 85.8 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Little Blue River Near Fairbury with a gauge stage of 6.8 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Little Blue River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,636 ft, the Little Blue River Near Deweese.

The Little Blue River is a river in the central United States. It runs through northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska, and it is approximately 65 miles long. The river was named for the bluish tint of its water, which is caused by limestone deposits in the area. The Little Blue River has a rich history, having been used by Native American tribes for hunting and fishing. Today, the river is used for recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and camping. It is also an important source of water for agriculture, with several reservoirs and dams along its course, including the Lovewell Dam and Reservoir and the Milford Dam and Reservoir. These reservoirs provide irrigation water for crops and help to regulate the flow of the river.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Blue River Near Deweese
USGS 06883000
38 cfs 2.21 ft 0
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
USGS 06884000
70 cfs 6.8 ft -2.6
Little Blue River Near Lake City
USGS 06894000
86 cfs 4.9 ft -65.52
History of the River

The Little Blue River is a 245-mile-long (394 km) river in southern Nebraska and northern Kansas that was used by Pony Express horseback riders. Ridgelines of this historic watershed defined the wagon train routes first used by Oregon Trail emigrants.
The Little Blue rises just south of Minden in Kearney County, Nebraska. It flows east-southeast past Hebron and Fairbury, Nebraska, and Marysville, Kansas. It joins the Big Blue River at Blue Rapids, Kansas.
The waters of Little Blue River, once noted for the namesake blueish tint, were later muddied by silt runoff from plowing. Various other rivers also have the name "Little Blue River".

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Watershed River Levels

12

Cubic Feet Per Second

9

Cubic Feet Per Second

104

Cubic Feet Per Second

3

Cubic Feet Per Second