Des Moines River at Fort Dodge
Iowa — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Webster County, Iowa on the Des Moines River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05480500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
17 ft
Moderate Flood
16 ft
Minor Flood
10.5 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
17 ft
Water reaches the bottom of the railroad trestle approach. Extensive sandbagging also occurs along the river.
16 ft
Water threatens the Phinney Park riverside trail along the west bank.
15 ft
Water affects some residences in Lehigh and may affect Riverside Dr in northern Webster County.
14 ft
Water affects some access roads along the river in Fort Dodge as well as in Lehigh.
13 ft
Water affects residences along the west bank of the river in Lehigh and threatens industries near Phinney Park.
12 ft
Water affects campgrounds in the downstream parks between Fort Dodge and Lehigh.
11 ft
Water affects lowland areas near the river and threatens residences along the river in Fort Dodge.
10 ft
Water affects roads to residences in Fort Dodge along the river and limits access to some subdivisions.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 22, 1947 | 20.28 ft | 34,000 cfs |
| Jun 22, 1947 | 20.28 ft | 34,000 cfs |
| Jun 20, 1954 | 19.94 ft | 35,400 cfs |
| Jun 20, 1954 | 19.94 ft | 35,400 cfs |
| Apr 7, 1965 | 18.45 ft | 35,600 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
FODI4
River
Des Moines River
County
Webster, IA
Coordinates
42.5083°N, 94.2033°W
Get Flood Alerts for Des Moines River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Des Moines River at Fort Dodge?
The Des Moines River at Fort Dodge gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05480500) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Des Moines River at Fort Dodge?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Des Moines River at Fort Dodge is 10.5 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 16 feet, and major flooding at 17 feet.
How do I get alerts when Des Moines River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Des Moines River at Fort Dodge to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Des Moines River at Fort Dodge gauge located?
The gauge is located in Webster County, Iowa at coordinates 42.5083°N, 94.2033°W. USGS site number: 05480500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey