Little Blue River

Last Updated: April 14, 2026

Total streamflow across the Little Blue River was last observed at 478 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 948 acre-ft of water today; about 114% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 419 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 431 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Little Blue River, with a gauge stage of 6.14 ft at this location. 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.


15-Day Long Term Forecast


River Details

Last Updated 2026-04-14
Discharge Volume 948 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 477.9 cfs
Past 24 Hours: -318.0 cfs (-39.95%)
Percent of Normal 114.0%
Maximum 33,285.0 cfs
2015-05-08
Seasonal Avg 419 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Blue River Near Deweese
USGS 06883000
47 cfs 2.2 ft 0
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
USGS 06884000
0 cfs 5.43 ft None
Little Blue River Near Lake City
USGS 06894000
431 cfs 6.14 ft -42.46
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

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".