South Dakota · river
South Fork Bad River near Cottonwood
Live conditions for this USGS-monitored stretch of water, updated every 15 minutes.
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Paddle Score, from live wind and water conditions
Wind
6 mph
gusting to 12 mph
Air temp
65°F
34% chance of rain
River flow
4.9 cfs
Best day to paddle this week
Today · 85
Today
85
88°
Best
Thu
79
95°
Fri
60
100°
Sat
58
96°
Sun
30
96°
Mon
82
92°
Tue
53
93°
Scored from each day's peak forecast wind, heat, and rain chance — river flow isn't forecastable, so check back before you load the boat.
Wind, next 12 hours
mph| Hour | Wind (mph) | Gusts (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | 6 | 12 |
| 2a | 2 | 10 |
| 3a | 3 | 6 |
| 4a | 4 | 8 |
| 5a | 2 | 6 |
| 6a | 2 | 8 |
| 7a | 2 | 7 |
| 8a | 5 | 11 |
| 9a | 3 | 8 |
| 10a | 3 | 6 |
| 11a | 2 | 6 |
| 12p | 2 | 7 |
Why this score
- Wind — 6 mph — calm, ideal for any boat±0
- Rain — 34% chance in the next 6 hours-2
We don't have launch notes for this one
This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.
We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.
Do your own homework
We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.
- Paddler discussion on Reddit
Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source
- Search American Whitewater
Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions
- Satellite view and access roads
Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like
- Video from this water
The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive
- USGS gauge 06440200
Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata