Big Sioux River near Dell Rapids
South Dakota — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota on the Big Sioux River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 06481000, 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 ft
Moderate Flood
14 ft
Minor Flood
12 ft
Action Stage
10 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
22 ft
The bridge on 250th Street just west of Baltic is overtopped.
21 ft
The bridge at the gauge on 248th St is overtopped and several outbuildings near the gauge are flooded.
17.5 ft
Water reaches the bottom of the bridge on 250th Street west of Baltic.
16.5 ft
Much of the area between the railroad on the north bank of the river and about 250 yards north of Centennial Pl on the south bank is flooded resulting in significant impacts. Water reaches the bottom of the bridge on 254th St.
16 ft
248th Street east of the gauge is flooded, along with several other county roads. Flooding will affect the city of Renner with water going over the main road in town.
15.5 ft
Significant flooding is ongoing south of the railroad track in Dell Rapids on the north bank of the river with significant flooding of the athletic fields and campground on the south bank. County Road 130 in Renner is flooded.
15 ft
Several homes and businesses south of the railroad track in Dell Rapids begin to flood. Some homes in Renner are flooded.
14.5 ft
250th St west of Baltic begins to flood, River Park Road in Baltic is flooded, and a couple of homes and outbuildings west of 1st Avenue in Baltic are in danger of flooding. Portions of Garfield Ave in Dell Rapids south of the bridge may begin to flood.
14 ft
Significant amounts of agricultural lands are flooded through the basin, and River Park in Baltic begins to flood.
12 ft
The city parks and athletic fields in Dell Rapids begin to flood. Water approaches at least one outbuilding in Dell Rapids along the river. Agricultural land flooding also begins to increase in coverage.
10 ft
The lowest banks begin to be overtopped. The bike trail under the Garfield Ave bridge in Dell Rapids begins to flood.
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 12, 2019 | 16.7 ft | 22,500 cfs |
| Sep 12, 2019 | 16.7 ft | 22,500 cfs |
| Apr 8, 1969 | 16.47 ft | 41,300 cfs |
| Apr 8, 1969 | 16.47 ft | 41,300 cfs |
| Sep 24, 2010 | 16.29 ft | 16,400 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
DERS2
River
Big Sioux River
County
Minnehaha, SD
Coordinates
43.7906°N, 96.7453°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 near Dell Rapids?
The Big Sioux River near Dell Rapids gauge is maintained by USGS (site 06481000) 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 near Dell Rapids?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Sioux River near Dell Rapids is 12 feet. Action stage begins at 10 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 14 feet, and major flooding at 15 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 near Dell Rapids 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 near Dell Rapids gauge located?
The gauge is located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota at coordinates 43.7906°N, 96.7453°W. USGS site number: 06481000. 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, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
- 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.
- Gauge reading may be affected by ice.