West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville
Iowa — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Emmet County, Iowa on the West Fork Des Moines River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05476500, 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
14.5 ft
Moderate Flood
13 ft
Minor Flood
10 ft
Action Stage
6 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
21.5 ft
An electrical box near the NE corner of Woodys may need to be sandbagged.
20 ft
An electrical box at West Central Ave/IA 9 near the NE corner of the intersection with W 1st St N may need to be sandbagged.
19 ft
Electrical boxes south of vacant lot at 31 W 1st St S may need to be sandbagged.
18 ft
The Power Plant may need to sandbag the west banks.
17.5 ft
Water affects IA 9 just west of the river. IA 9 is closed to thru traffic. The Power Plant may monitor sandbagging operations on the west banks by the power plant. The parking lot west of the VFW is completely flooded. Residents at 39 W 1st St S may need to sandbag. Water overtops St. James Ave/Co Rd A34 by the bridge in Wallingford.
17 ft
The intersection of W 1st St S and W 1st Ave S is closed. Valley Dr may need to be closed. Evacuation orders may be needed for the residents in and near Valley Dr. Water overtops Co Rd N26 north of Tom and Jerry’s Bridge. Residents at 502, 503 and 608 on W 1st St S as well as residents at 206 in Valley Dr may need to sandbag their properties. An electrical box on the west side at 105 W 1st Ave N may need to be sandbagged.
16.5 ft
Road closure are expanded from Valley Dr to W 1st Ave S on W 1st St S. On W 1st St N the road closure is expanded north of Woodys parking lot to the residence at 221. Water begins affecting the parking lot west of the VFW. Water affects a residence driveway at 1660 375th Ave. An electrical box may need to be sandbagged at the southwest corner of W 1st St and W 2nd Ave S. Electrical boxes at 115 W 1st St may need to be sandbagged.
16 ft
Residents at 215 W 1st St N may need to sandbag their properties. Water affects Valley Dr. Residents may need to be notified of the road possibly being closed due to water over the road. Co Rd A33 (River View Bridge) is closed. The Power Plant may start monitoring the basement for floodwater.
15.5 ft
Road closures expand south of W 1st Ave N intersection to the residence at 215 W 1st St N. Road closures also expand to the residence south of 109 to north of Valley Dr. Residents 122 and 222 on W 1st St N may need sandbag their properties.
15 ft
An electrical box on the south property line of 303 W 1st St S may need to be sandbagged.
14.5 ft
Water affects residences along W 1st St north and south of IA 9 as well as along Valley Dr.
14 ft
The Estherville wastewater treatment plant may possibly start bypassing water on W 1st St S.
13.5 ft
Backwater from the river causes School Creek to flood Valley Dr. Road closures are expanded on W 1st St N from 109 to 209. Water begins affecting Burr Oak Rd South of Wallingford.
12.5 ft
Water affects W 1st St north and south of IA 9. W 1st St S is closed from the residence at 303 to just south of Valley Dr. W 1st St N is closed from the residence at 121 to 201 which will also cause the intersection of W 2nd Ave N and W 1st St N to be closed.
12 ft
Water affects the low areas of W 1st St south of IA 9 as well as residences on Valley Dr along School Creek.
11 ft
Water inundates Mike Mickelson Park south of IA 9.
10 ft
Extensive lowland flooding occurs particularly over the parkland areas near the river.
7 ft
Water affects Mike Mickelson Park south of IA 9 as well as North Riverside Park north of IA 9. Backwater from the river causes School Creek to affect the low areas of Valley Dr.
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 23, 2024 | 17.94 ft | — |
| Jun 23, 2024 | 17.94 ft | — |
| Apr 11, 1969 | 17.68 ft | 16,000 cfs |
| Apr 11, 1969 | 17.68 ft | 16,000 cfs |
| Apr 9, 1965 | 15.61 ft | 10,200 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
ESVI4
River
West Fork Des Moines River
County
Emmet, IA
Coordinates
43.3993°N, 94.8460°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 Estherville?
The West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05476500) 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 Estherville?
The NWS-defined flood stage for West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville is 10 feet. Action stage begins at 6 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 13 feet, and major flooding at 14.5 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 Estherville 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 West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville gauge located?
The gauge is located in Emmet County, Iowa at coordinates 43.3993°N, 94.8460°W. USGS site number: 05476500. 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