StormCast — Weather & Emergency Alerts

South Skunk River near Ames US 30
Iowa — Water Level & Flood Stage

Located in Story County, Iowa on the South Skunk River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05471000, 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

24.5 ft

Moderate Flood

23.5 ft

Minor Flood

21.5 ft

Action Stage

19 ft

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

What Floods at Each Level

26.3 ft

Water impacts I-35 south of US 30.

26 ft

Water affects the US 30 bridge over the South Skunk River. Widespread flooding also occurs along Dayton Ave.

25.5 ft

Widespread flooding of US 30 occurs.

25 ft

Water affects I-35 south of US 30...US 30 between Dayton Ave and Duff Ave...as well as hotels and industries along Dayton Ave.

24 ft

Water affects US 30 between Dayton Ave and Duff Ave. Basements also flood in Cambridge. Hotels on SE 16th St have water in their parking lots. Water may also affect SE 16th St.

23 ft

Water affects the Shady Grove Trailer Park located at 1006 S Dayton Ave as well as the railroad just northeast of Cambridge.

21 ft

Water affects S 16th St. Water also affects the sports complex along the river south of US 30.

20.5 ft

Water affects gravel roads just upstream from US 30 as well as agricultural land from Ames downstream to northeast Polk County.

20 ft

Water affects agricultural land from Ames to Cambridge.

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
Aug 10, 201026.72 ft36,200 cfs
Aug 10, 201026.72 ft36,200 cfs
Jun 26, 197525.57 ft14,700 cfs
Jun 26, 197525.57 ft14,700 cfs
Jul 8, 199325.53 ft26,500 cfs

About This Gauge

USGS Site

05471000

NWS LID

AESI4

River

South Skunk River

County

Story, IA

Coordinates

42.0082°N, 93.5960°W

Get Flood Alerts for South Skunk 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current water level of South Skunk River near Ames US 30?

The South Skunk River near Ames US 30 gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05471000) 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 South Skunk River near Ames US 30?

The NWS-defined flood stage for South Skunk River near Ames US 30 is 21.5 feet. Action stage begins at 19 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 23.5 feet, and major flooding at 24.5 feet.

How do I get alerts when South Skunk River rises?

Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add South Skunk River near Ames US 30 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 South Skunk River near Ames US 30 gauge located?

The gauge is located in Story County, Iowa at coordinates 42.0082°N, 93.5960°W. USGS site number: 05471000. 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