Major Flood
19 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
15 ft
Minor Flood
13 ft
Action Stage
12 ft
What Floods at Each Level
19 ft
MAJOR FLOOD STAGE.
17 ft
Bridge deck at gage floods.
15 ft
MODERATE FLOOD STAGE.
14.2 ft
Road to access gage floods.
14 ft
Agricultural flooding begins.
13 ft
MINOR FLOOD STAGE. Flooding on road cut at old meander scar east of gage begins.
12 ft
ACTION STAGE/FORECAST SERVICE STAGE.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 19.9 ft | 8,500 cfs |
| Apr 5, 1997 | 19.11 ft | — |
| Mar 24, 2009 | 19.08 ft | 7,280 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
SABM5
River
South Branch Buffalo River
County
Clay, MN
Coordinates
46.7756°N, 96.6278°W
Get Flood Alerts for South Branch Buffalo 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 South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin?
The South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05061500) 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 Branch Buffalo River at Sabin?
The NWS-defined flood stage for South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin is 13 feet. Action stage begins at 12 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 19 feet.
How do I get alerts when South Branch Buffalo River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin 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 South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin gauge located?
The gauge is located in Clay County, Minnesota at coordinates 46.7756°N, 96.6278°W. USGS site number: 05061500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- 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.
- 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.
- Stage may be affected by ice during winter months.