Major Flood
17 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: SFLS2). 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
15 ft
Minor Flood
12 ft
Action Stage
11 ft
What Floods at Each Level
21 ft
The levees protecting Sioux Falls are overtopped resulting in significant to catastrophic flooding.
19.5 ft
Levees downstream on diversion channel will be overtopped if all flow of around 37000 cfs is being diverted, potentially resulting in flooding in and around the airport in Sioux Falls.
19 ft
Numerous homes and businesses west of Cliff Ave between I-90 and Renner are in danger of flooding.
18 ft
60th St N in northern Sioux Falls is flooded, as are most east to west roads between I-90 and Dell Rapids.
17 ft
Flooding begins to impact numerous roads and some homes and businesses between I-90 and Baltic, including in the Renner area.
16.5 ft
Water begins to approach 60th St N in northern Sioux Falls and may flood the lowest portions.
15 ft
Some farm buildings between Renner and Sioux Falls are threatened by high water and much of the broader floodplain north of I-90 is inundated.
13 ft
Ditch Rd at the gauge location is flooded.
12 ft
Agricultural land between 60th Street North and Interstate 90 begins to flood.
11 ft
Minor flooding of some ditches and low spots upstream of Sioux Falls begins.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 13, 2019 | 18.91 ft | — |
| Mar 25, 2019 | 16.92 ft | — |
| Jun 22, 1984 | 16.8 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
SFLS2
River
Big Sioux River
County
Minnehaha, SD
Coordinates
43.6101°N, 96.7444°W
Get Flood Alerts for Big Sioux 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 Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90?
The Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90 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 Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90 is 12 feet. Action stage begins at 11 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 15 feet, and major flooding at 17 feet.
How do I get alerts when Big Sioux River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90 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 Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls I-90 gauge located?
The gauge is located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota at coordinates 43.6101°N, 96.7444°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Big Sioux River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of South Dakota DANR
- 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.
- 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.
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice.