Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls Western Avenue
South Dakota — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota on the Big Sioux River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 06482000, 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
15.5 ft
Moderate Flood
12 ft
Minor Flood
8 ft
Action Stage
6.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
20 ft
Many of the remaining levees between Skunk Creek and Western Ave are overtopped resulting in catastrophic flooding.
19 ft
The lowest portions of 57th St begin to flood with significant flooding ongoing in southern Sioux Falls in areas nearest the river.
18.5 ft
The lower levees below Skunk Creek and above the Western Avenue gage will be overtopped.
16.5 ft
Numerous homes in southern Sioux Falls, especially between Minnesota Ave and S Phillips Ave, are in danger of flooding. The on and off ramps of I-229 at Cliff Ave begin to flood.
14.5 ft
Some houses in the W Twin Oaks Rd and Rose Street areas near South Minnesota Avenue may be at risk to begin flooding.
14 ft
The bridge into Yankton Trail Park off of 57th St may be overtopped.
13.5 ft
Water approaches Cliff Ave north of the bridge and may begin to flood the lowest portions.
11 ft
The entrances to Yankton Trail and Spencer Parks begin to flood.
10 ft
City parks in southern Sioux Falls begin to have significant flooding.
9 ft
The camp south of 26th St begins to flood as does portions of Tomar Park.
8 ft
Flooding begins to affect Spencer Dog Park and the lower portions of Tuthill Park in southern Sioux Falls. The access road under 26th St begins to flood.
6.5 ft
The lowest portion of the bike trail near Spencer Dog Park may begin to flood as well as the lowest portions of the recreation fields off of 57th and Western Ave.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2019 | 16.9 ft | 9,200 cfs |
| Mar 13, 2019 | 16.9 ft | 9,200 cfs |
| Jun 16, 1957 | 16.01 ft | 16,200 cfs |
| Jun 16, 1957 | 16.01 ft | 16,200 cfs |
| Jun 20, 1984 | 15.8 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
WAVS2
River
Big Sioux River
County
Minnehaha, SD
Coordinates
43.5011°N, 96.7486°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 Western Avenue?
The Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls Western Avenue gauge is maintained by USGS (site 06482000) 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 Western Avenue?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls Western Avenue is 8 feet. Action stage begins at 6.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 12 feet, and major flooding at 15.5 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 Western Avenue 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 Big Sioux River at Sioux Falls Western Avenue gauge located?
The gauge is located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota at coordinates 43.5011°N, 96.7486°W. USGS site number: 06482000. 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
- No forecasts are available for this location
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice.