Major Flood
40 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
35 ft
Minor Flood
31 ft
Action Stage
28 ft
What Floods at Each Level
42 ft
The lowest portions of Hwy 12 may begin to flood.
40.5 ft
At least a couple farmsteads begin to flood.
37 ft
Water begins to surround some farmsteads near 329th.
35 ft
The lowest portions of 329th are flooded and the floodplain on the South Dakota side is over a mile wide in some areas.
31 ft
Significant flooding of crop and pasture land 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 2024 | 44.5 ft | 132,000 cfs |
| Mar 16, 2019 | 40.42 ft | 54,700 cfs |
| Jun 25, 2018 | 38.4 ft | 38,300 cfs |
About This Gauge
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 Jefferson?
The Big Sioux River near Jefferson gauge is maintained by USGS (site 06485910) 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 Jefferson?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Big Sioux River near Jefferson is 31 feet. Action stage begins at 28 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 35 feet, and major flooding at 40 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 Jefferson 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 near Jefferson gauge located?
The gauge is located in Union County, South Dakota at coordinates 42.6264°N, 96.5153°W. USGS site number: 06485910. 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.