Niobrara River near Sparks, NE

The last 7 days and the forecast

NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 6 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.

Flood stages

What floods at each level

From the National Weather Service, highest first.

• 16 ftMajor flood stage with significant flooding along the river. Several homes and cabins along the river may be flooded.
• 12 ftModerate flood stage. Moderate flooding is possible. Cabins and businesses along the river may be impacted by rising water levels.
• 8 ftSmith falls campground may begin to flood as well as parking areas along the river.
• 7 ftMinor flooding along the left bank downstream from Berry Bridge to Smith Falls Campground.
• 6 ftFlood stage. Minor flooding along the lower banks.
• 5.5 ftMinor flooding of lowland directly along the river. Recreational intrest's along and on the river may be impacted.

Highest crests on record

1. 12.17 ft — February 5, 2014
2. 10.31 ft — February 21, 2018
3. 10.06 ft — February 7, 1973
4. 9.23 ft — February 7, 1994
5. 8.9 ft — January 17, 2005

Recent crests: 5.4 ft (January 5, 2023) · 3.31 ft (April 30, 2022) · 3.35 ft (January 2, 2022) · 3.45 ft (March 22, 2021) · 3.48 ft (March 15, 2021)

Up and down the river, and nearby

• DownstreamNiobrara River near Verdel, NE
• Keyapaha River near Keyapaha, SD
• Rock Creek near Hidden Timber, SD
• Antelope Creek near Mission, SD
• Keyapaha River at Wewala, SD
• Long Pine Creek near Riverview, NE
• Little White River near Rosebud, SD
• Little White River near Vetal, SD
• Little White River below White River, SD