South Skunk River near Ames

Is this flow normal for September 29?

Today's 527 cfs is 2295% above the median for this date — which counts as very high water here.

The median flow on this date is 22 cfs, across 104 years of USGS record at this gauge. Whether that is runnable depends on the stretch — this is context, not a recommendation.

Why this score

• Wind — 10 mph — moderate wind at the forecast location-8

We don't have launch notes for this one

This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, and uses available public readings. 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 05470000 ↗

  Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata

Nearby water

• Ioway Creek at Ames3 mi
• South Skunk River below Ioway Creek near Ames4 mi
• Des Moines River near Stratford23 mi
• Indian Creek near Mingo24 mi
• Fourmile Creek near Ankeny, Ia Ds124 mi
• Beaver Creek near Grimes27 mi