Little Blue River River Levels

Last Updated: March 25, 2026

The Little Blue River is a river in the central United States.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Little Blue River was last observed at 206 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 409 acre-ft of water today; about 28% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 727 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 87.5 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Little Blue River Near Fairbury with a gauge stage of 6.65 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.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-25
Discharge Volume 409 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 206.2 cfs
-6.1 cfs (-2.87%)
Percent of Normal 28.35%
Maximum 33,285.0 cfs
2015-05-08
Seasonal Avg 727 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
45 cfs 2.18 ft 2.04
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
USGS 06884000
74 cfs 6.65 ft 2.36
Little Blue River Near Lake City
USGS 06894000
88 cfs 4.78 ft -9.04
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".