StormCast — Weather & Emergency Alerts

East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City
Iowa — Water Level & Flood Stage

Located in Humboldt County, Iowa on the East Fork Des Moines River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05479000, 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

28 ft

Moderate Flood

24 ft

Minor Flood

20 ft

Action Stage

18 ft

Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.

What Floods at Each Level

28 ft

Water affects the Humboldt County Museum just northeast of the Dakota City bridge.

24 ft

Water affects the Dakota City bridge as well as 20650 acres of agriculural land north and south of town.

22 ft

Water affects the Dakota City bridge just south of town.

21.7 ft

Water affects all lower camp sites at, the parking lot at and the entrance to the city park. Water also floods agricultural land on the east side of the river just south of IA 3 bridge.

20 ft

Water affects the lower camp sites at the city park on the west side of the river just north of the 1st Ave N bridge. The City of Dakota City is situated on locally high ground and is generally not affected by flooding at this stage.

18 ft

Water affects the riverside parking area at the city park just north of the 1st Ave N bridge. Water also completely floods agricultural land on both sides of 170th St.

16.1 ft

Water affects portions of 170th St east of the Foster bridge.

16 ft

Water affects the Martin/Marietta gravel pit.

Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.

7-Day Water Level Chart

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View Official NWS Hydrograph →

Historic Crests

Date Stage Flow
Mar 31, 199323.35 ft16,200 cfs
Mar 31, 199323.35 ft16,200 cfs
Apr 8, 196523.13 ft15,700 cfs
Apr 8, 196523.13 ft15,700 cfs
Aug 24, 197921.71 ft13,300 cfs

About This Gauge

USGS Site

05479000

NWS LID

DAKI4

River

East Fork Des Moines River

County

Humboldt, IA

Coordinates

42.7236°N, 94.1933°W

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water level of East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City?

The East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05479000) 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 East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City?

The NWS-defined flood stage for East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City is 20 feet. Action stage begins at 18 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 24 feet, and major flooding at 28 feet.

How do I get alerts when East Fork Des Moines River rises?

Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City 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 East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City gauge located?

The gauge is located in Humboldt County, Iowa at coordinates 42.7236°N, 94.1933°W. USGS site number: 05479000. 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