Rivermatics

USGS Streamgage 06414000

Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD

Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD is USGS streamgage 06414000 in South Dakota, monitoring river discharge in hydrologic subbasin 10120110. It drains a watershed of about 413 square miles. Discharge records at this site go back to 1905. Typical flow runs near 83.8 cfs in July and 55.2 cfs in April, with the higher of the two arriving in July.

View live conditions →

Gauge details

State
South Dakota
Drainage area
413 sq mi
Gauge elevation
3,242 ft
Subbasin (HUC-8)
10120110
Coordinates
44.08553, -103.24138
USGS site number
06414000
Records begin
1905-07-26 (121 years)

Typical flow by month

Long-term daily discharge percentiles from the USGS record (up to 63 years of data), averaged within each month. These describe the historical normal range — they are not a forecast and not today's reading.

Historical monthly discharge percentiles in cubic feet per second
Month Low p10 Typical p50 High p90 Range
January 20.5 34.9 78.9
February 22.3 34.4 76.4
March 23.9 39.5 92.6
April 24.1 55.2 166.5
May 38.8 82.5 325.2
June 38.3 83.3 473.6
July 50.4 83.8 206.6
August 41 66.5 162.3
September 29.2 51.9 117.1
October 22.5 40.3 92
November 23.4 37.4 80.5
December 21.3 35.1 82.2

All values in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Common questions

When does Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD normally run highest?
July, on the long-term record. The median daily flow that month is about 83.8 cfs, against 34.4 cfs in February, the lowest month. These are historical normals for the date, not a forecast and not today's reading.
What is a normal flow for Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD?
It depends on the month. In January, half of days historically fall near 34.9 cfs, with the middle 80% of days between 20.5 and 78.9 cfs. The month-by-month table on this page gives the full range.
How long has Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD been measured?
Discharge records at USGS site 06414000 begin in 1905, about 121 years, covering roughly 9,194 days of published daily values. The long record is what makes the monthly percentiles on this page meaningful.
Where is Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD?
The gauge sits at 44.08553, -103.24138, in South Dakota, in hydrologic subbasin 10120110, at an elevation of about 3,242 feet, draining roughly 413 square miles.
Can I use Rapid Creek at Rapid City, SD data for flood or safety decisions?
No. Rivermatics provides estimates, not guarantees, and the readings and forecasts here may be delayed, inaccurate, or wrong. Do not use them for navigation or for any safety, rescue, or emergency decision. Check the National Weather Service and USGS directly, and use your own judgment.

Other gauges in this subbasin