South Skunk River Flow Today
As of October 3, 2026 at 2:30 AM, the South Skunk River is flowing at 8,810 cfs near Oskaloosa, IA and up 7% in 24 hours. 4 of 4 USGS gauges reported in the last 3 days; flows range from 5,580 to 8,810 cfs. ❤ Favorite
South Skunk River map
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South Skunk River conditions today
Where the river is running versus normal, what’s rising or dropping, and what it means for a trip — built from the live USGS readings below.
At Oskaloosa, the South Skunk River is running 8,810 cfs, up 7% since yesterday.
In the last 24 hours the river is rising at Ames (+531%) and Ames (+361%).
Flood watch: Ames is at minor flood stage (12.65 ft); Ames is at minor flood stage (22.13 ft); Colfax is at action stage (16.75 ft). Check NWS before heading out.
High water on the South Skunk River
South Skunk River Near Ames is at 12.65 ft — minor flood stage (flood stage 12.5 ft).
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames is at 22.13 ft — minor flood stage (flood stage 21.5 ft).
South Skunk River At Colfax is at 16.75 ft — action stage (flood stage 18.0 ft).
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa is at 20.26 ft — action stage (flood stage 24.5 ft).
How the South Skunk River compares to normal
Every reporting gauge from the top of the river to the bottom: bar length is today’s flow, colour is percent of normal for the date.
Flow along the river, upstream to downstream
- Ames928 ft 5,580 cfs
- Ames872 ft 8,510 cfs
- Colfax793 ft 5,660 cfs
- Oskaloosa692 ft 8,810 cfs
Bar length uses a square-root scale so small headwater flows stay visible next to big downstream ones. Colour: <50% 50–90 90–110 110–150 150%+ of normal.
South Skunk River flow report
| Streamgage | Streamflow | % of normal | 24h | Gage height | To flood stage | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
South Skunk River Near Ames IA
Oct 3, 2:00 AM · USGS 05470000 |
5,580 cfs | · | +531% | 12.65 ft | Flooding | 928 ft |
|
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames IA
Oct 3, 2:00 AM · USGS 05471000 |
8,510 cfs | · | +361% | 22.13 ft | Flooding | 872 ft |
|
South Skunk River At Colfax IA
Oct 3, 1:45 AM · USGS 05471050 |
5,660 cfs | · | +91% | 16.75 ft | Action | 793 ft |
|
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa IA
Oct 3, 2:30 AM · USGS 05471500 |
8,810 cfs | · | +7% | 20.26 ft | Action | 692 ft |
USGS provisional data. Readings are in each gauge’s local time; gauges silent for more than 3 days are marked “Last reported”. Tap any gauge for its hydrograph, forecast and history.
Dams & reservoirs on the South Skunk River
Releases from these dams shape the flow downstream. Tap one for its daily level and history.
South Skunk River streamflow over time
Daily total flow across every monitored gauge on the river.
Maximum streamflow by year
South Skunk River
The South Skunk River is located in Iowa, USA, and is a tributary of the Skunk River. It runs for 137 miles and has a drainage area of 1,629 square miles. The river has a long history of flooding, with the most significant flood occurring in 2008. The hydrology of the river is affected by various factors, including land use changes, development, and climate change.
There are several reservoirs and dams along the South Skunk River, including the Saylorville Dam and the Red Rock Dam. These dam systems help to manage flooding and provide hydroelectric power. The river is also an important source of water for agricultural irrigation in the region.
Recreationally, the South Skunk River is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river is home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and walleye. The river also provides important habitat for wildlife, including several endangered species.
Fishing near the South Skunk River
About the South Skunk River
How is the South Skunk River flowing right now?
As of October 3, 2026, the South Skunk River is flowing at 8,810 cfs near Oskaloosa, IA. Across its 4 USGS gauges, current flows range from 5,580 to 8,810 cfs. Every gauge’s live reading is in the table above.
Is the South Skunk River running high or low?
Above 100% means higher than the historical average for this calendar day; below 100% means lower. The profile above shows which reaches are high or low.
What is flood stage on the South Skunk River?
The National Weather Service sets flood stages for Ames (12.5 ft), Ames (21.5 ft), Colfax (18.0 ft), Oskaloosa (24.5 ft). The table shows how far each gauge is below its flood stage right now.
Where does the data come from?
Discharge and gage height are from the USGS National Water Information System; flood stages from the National Weather Service. The history chart sums every monitored gauge on the river.
Can I get alerts for a gauge?
Yes — open any gauge from the table, favorite it in the Snoflo app and set a flow threshold.