Major Flood
16 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: SPWI4). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
14 ft
Minor Flood
10 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
What Floods at Each Level
22 ft
Increasingly severe flooding begins on the north side of the river in Spencer with water beginning to pour down Grand Ave, roughly to the intersection of 1st St.
21 ft
Catastrophic flooding is ongoing in Spencer with most of the south side of the city flooded and the highest levees overtopped. Water nears the feedhorn of the automated sensor and thus river level data may be lost.
19.5 ft
Significant flooding is ongoing in Spencer with water all the way to 8th St and S Grand Ave south of the river. Flooding also begins to spill into the lowest portions on the north side of the river such as Park St and also up 3rd Ave W.
18 ft
The berms on the south side of the river in Spencer are overtopped and several structures on the north side of the river are also flooded. The Spencer Golf and Country Club begins flooding.
17.5 ft
Hwy 18 east of Spencer near Hawk Valley WMA begins to flood.
17 ft
Water approaches the top of the lowest berms on the south side of the river in Spencer. West 4th St on the southwest side of Spencer floods.
16 ft
Water begins to approach Hwy 18 near Hawk Valley WMA east of Spencer.
14.5 ft
County Road B40 southeast of Spencer begins flooding. The playground at East Leach Park and the lowest portions of 4th St would flood if levee protection fails.
14 ft
City sewers in Spencer can begin to back up. Highway 18 between Spencer and Dickens can start flooding if flows on the tributary creeks are also very high.
12 ft
Most of the floodplain through the center of Spencer is flooded.
10 ft
The floodplain and some of the walking trails within Spencer city park are flooded. Some rural agricultural areas also begin to flood.
9 ft
The lower left bank overflows and very minor flooding of low lands begins.
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 21, 2024 | 22.2 ft | — |
| Jun 7, 1953 | 20.2 ft | 30,000 cfs |
| Jun 20, 1954 | 17.6 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
SPWI4
River
Little Sioux River
County
Clay, IA
Coordinates
43.1369°N, 95.1439°W
Get Flood Alerts for Little Sioux 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 Little Sioux River at Spencer?
The Little Sioux River at Spencer gauge is maintained by USGS 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 Little Sioux River at Spencer?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Little Sioux River at Spencer is 10 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 14 feet, and major flooding at 16 feet.
How do I get alerts when Little Sioux River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Little Sioux River at Spencer to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Little Sioux River at Spencer gauge located?
The gauge is located in Clay County, Iowa at coordinates 43.1369°N, 95.1439°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Little Sioux River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of Iowa Flood Center
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice.