Major Flood
15 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
13 ft
Minor Flood
11 ft
Action Stage
9 ft
What Floods at Each Level
15.2 ft
Water affects Iowa 15 approximately 4 miles south of West Bend.
14.5 ft
US 18 is closed. Works Road floods near the cooperative.
14 ft
Sandbagging operations occur for businesses along US 18 on the west side of town in and near the flood plain.
13.5 ft
Water threatens US 18 west of Emmetsburg as well as the Northern Natural Gas distribution plant. Sandbagging operations may occur for the sewer plant and wells.
13 ft
Closure of Iowa 4 is likely. Water threatens some of the airport runways. Water flows into Boggess gravel pits.
12.5 ft
Water affects Osgood Rd.
12 ft
Water reaches sections of Iowa 4 south of Emmetsburg. The road to the rendering plant is closed.
11.5 ft
Water affects southern portions of the airport field including approaches to the primary runway. Water also affects grass airstrips near hangars along the east side of the airfield.
11 ft
Water threatens Iowa 4 in areas near the river overpass as well as the road to the rendering plant. The road to the sanitary landfill area is closed.
10 ft
Water affects the flood plain and threatens the access road to the sanitary landfill area.
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 24, 2024 | 15.47 ft | 17,900 cfs |
| Apr 11, 1969 | 14.75 ft | — |
| Jun 29, 1993 | 13.8 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
EMTI4
River
West Fork Des Moines River
County
Palo Alto, IA
Coordinates
43.1265°N, 94.7072°W
Get Flood Alerts for West Fork 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 West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg?
The West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05476590) 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 West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg?
The NWS-defined flood stage for West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg is 11 feet. Action stage begins at 9 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 15 feet.
How do I get alerts when West Fork Des Moines River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg 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 West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg gauge located?
The gauge is located in Palo Alto County, Iowa at coordinates 43.1265°N, 94.7072°W. USGS site number: 05476590. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on West Fork Des Moines River
On This River
Upstream: West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville
Downstream: West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey