RIVER GAUGE · BIG BLUE RIVER
Big Blue River at Surprise
Butler County, Nebraska
Water level1.42 ft
Flow0 cfs
Last readingSep 16, 2026, 4:45 PM UTC (last recorded)
Action6 ft
Minor flood7 ft
Moderate flood10 ft
Major flood12 ft
The past week
Loading chart…
What floods at each level
- 16 ft
Widespread flooding commences with the 100 year flood being affected at a stage height of 15.8 feet.
- 13.5 ft
Water begins to flow over the bridge at the gage site.
- 11 ft
Flooding will be occurring in the town of Surprise. This level is similar to the flood experienced in 2008.
- 10 ft
Water reaches the bottom of the bridge near the gage. The resulting backwater will eventually close Miller Street, also known as County Road D going south of town.
- 7 ft
County road 24 1/2 will begin to flood downstream of Surprise. In addition, the city park near the gage site begins to flood.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 18, 1965 | 11.52 ft | 10,700 cfs |
| Jun 5, 2008 | 11.25 ft | 8,100 cfs |
| Jun 30, 1986 | 10.64 ft | 4,860 cfs |
More on Big Blue River
DownstreamBig Blue River at Staplehurst
Get an alert when Big Blue River rises
Save this gauge in the free StormCast app and pick the level that matters to you. Your phone goes off when the water gets there.
