Major Flood
973.5 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: BSLM5). 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
971.5 ft
Minor Flood
970 ft
Action Stage
969 ft
What Floods at Each Level
973.5 ft
Over 100 structures inundated, including homes on the Ortonville peninsula.
971.5 ft
40 TO 60 structures inundated, including homes on the Ortonville peninsula.
970.1 ft
Water reaches shoreline homes on Shady Oak Drive.
970 ft
Parks are flooded along Big Stone Lake. Water reaches several homes on the Ortonville peninsula.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 6, 1997 | 973.9 ft | — |
| Mar 19, 2010 | 972.2 ft | — |
| Apr 13, 2001 | 971.3 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
BSLM5
River
Minnesota River
County
Big Stone, MN
Coordinates
45.3092°N, 96.4681°W
Get Flood Alerts for Minnesota 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 Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake?
The Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake 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 Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake is 970 feet. Action stage begins at 969 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 971.5 feet, and major flooding at 973.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Minnesota River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake 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 Minnesota River at Big Stone Lake gauge located?
The gauge is located in Big Stone County, Minnesota at coordinates 45.3092°N, 96.4681°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Minnesota River
On This River
Downstream: Minnesota River at Ortonville
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Upper Minnesota River Watershed District
- 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.
- Stage measured manually and reported by river observer. No automated gauge on-site.
- 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.