Rock River at Watertown
Wisconsin — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin on the Rock River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05425500, 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
6.5 ft
5,480 cfs
Moderate Flood
6 ft
4,710 cfs
Minor Flood
5.5 ft
3,980 cfs
Action Stage
4 ft
2,140 cfs
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
7 ft
Floodwaters affect some streets in Watertown. Riverside Park is flooded. About 6 miles upstream near Ixonia, Wayside park along Highway 16 and Kanow Park are flooded. Rock River Road near Highway 16 is flooded. Water impacts structures at end of Riverview Rd. Water may impact Riverdale Circle.
6.5 ft
Floodwaters affect some streets in Watertown. Water is in Riverside Park. About 6 miles upstream near Ixonia, Wayside park along Highway 16 and Kanow Park is flooded. Rock River Road near Highway 16 is flooded. Water approaches structures at end of Riverview Rd. Water impacts the end of Willow St.
6 ft
Water nears some streets in Watertown. Water is in Riverside Park in Watertown. About 6 miles upstream near Ixonia, Wayside park on Highway 16, and Kanow Park is flooded. Rock River Road near Highway 16 is flooded.
5.5 ft
There is widespread lowland flooding in rural areas around Watertown. About 6 miles upstream near Ixonia, Wayside park along Highway 16 and Kanow Park are flooded and Rock River Road is impacted.
5 ft
There is minor lowland flooding in rural areas around Watertown. About 6 miles upstream near Ixonia, Wayside Park along Hwy 16 ais flooded, water impacts Rock River Road and Kanow Park near Highway 16 is flooded.
4 ft
There is minor lowland flooding in rural areas around Watertown. Flood waters start to affect Wayside park on Highway 16 as well as Kanow Park on Rock River Road about 6 miles upstream near Ixonia.
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 13, 2008 | 7.81 ft | 7,600 cfs |
| Jun 13, 2008 | 7.81 ft | 7,600 cfs |
| Jan 16, 1997 | 6.96 ft | — |
| Jan 16, 1997 | 6.96 ft | — |
| Apr 3, 1959 | 6.32 ft | 5,030 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
Get Flood Alerts for Rock 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 Rock River at Watertown?
The Rock River at Watertown gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05425500) 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 Rock River at Watertown?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Rock River at Watertown is 5.5 feet. Action stage begins at 4 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 6 feet, and major flooding at 6.5 feet.
How do I get alerts when Rock River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Rock River at Watertown 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 Rock River at Watertown gauge located?
The gauge is located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin at coordinates 43.1881°N, 88.7258°W. USGS site number: 05425500. 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
- 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.